The home environment plays a crucial role in the success or failure of our children when it come to their education. Improving the quality of housing and affordable (if not free) family healthcare should be primary concerns. Many families in our community live below the poverty level and lack the money to improve their homes and/or living conditions, they also lack adequate health insurance. Research shows that children in poverty suffer in a number of ways. Children living in poverty have a higher rate of academic failure throughout their lifetime, are less likely to go to college, and are more likely to have employment difficulties as adults. A universal healthcare plan is what Minnesota, and this country needs.

There is a movement across the country to create safer, healthier housing. It is known nationally as Healthy Homes. It is based on Public Health strategies that has produced monumental success in reducing Childhood Lead Poisoning. Current projects have had very good outcomes.