Divorce's Effect on Children

Regardless of where you live in the United States, divorce can have a heavy negative impact on one’s child or children. Minnesota divorce laws are similar to other states in the sense that a judge must identify a clear reason for the dissolution of the marriage. The Minnesota divorce laws take the Minnesota child custody laws into consideration as well. It is believed by many Minnesotans that children of divorce should be in custody of a responsible parent, guardian or other party that is fit to raise the children in a healthy and positive environment. The Minnesota child custody laws support this belief.

• Minnesota divorce laws require that a married individual living in Minnesota who wishes to file for divorce must start the process by submitting a petition that states why they are choosing to do so. A spouse making this request does not automatically guarantee that a judge will honor the divorce. Minnesota divorce laws require that a judge must determine that there is breakdown in the relationship that cannot be fixed. This can be identified by both parties of the marriage not living together for at least six months or other circumstances that prove that the marriage is unbeneficial to both spouses. Adultery is an obvious example of this. If one party claims that their spouse has done anything to break the vows of marriage, Minnesota divorce laws require them to provide proof. This prevents a party from lying in order to get money, property or be granted the divorce itself. Minnesota divorce laws are not much different than those of other states and have proven to be fair and justified.

• Minnesota child custody laws are in place to make sure that the child of divorce or separation is being taken care of by the best possible candidate to insure that he or she is in a positive environment, is healthy and receives the best possible education. Minnesota custody laws look out for the children’s best interests. In deciding the best candidate to have custody of the child or children a judge must consider several variables. If both of the children’s parents are alive and able to speak for themselves, the judge should first listen to both parent’s suggestions. If the judge determines that a child is at an age in which they can make responsible decisions, he or she will listen to their suggestion as well. Other important factors in this decision include the depth of the relationships between the child and both parents, the mental and physical state of both the child and the parents and the ability of each parent to give the child important intangible necessities. These can include love, care, attention, positive guidance as well as education. Minnesota child custody laws take all of this into consideration because it is in the best interest of the child to grow up in an environment witch as much opportunity as possible.

Both the Minnesota divorce laws and the Minnesota child custody laws are in place to assure that all parties involved are given fair opportunities in order to continue their lives in the best possible conditions. Most residents of Minnesota feel that these laws are fair and crucial to provide families justice during hard times.

MinnesotaCare

Why is it that our elected officials can not pass health care reform making health insurance affordable for most or all Americans but individual states such as Minnesota have been doing it with no problem? Minnesota law passed MinnesotaCare at the end of 1992. Minnesota laws use common sense and cares about the citizens it governs. The program is meant for low income citizens and stemmed from a child health care plan. It is paid for in reasonable ways and it benefits the state, which is what the Minnesota law intended it to do. Minnesota has a history of good policy and minimal bi-partisanship. When it comes to Minnesotan’s needs and concerns, the elected officials have always risen to the occasion and fix their problems to the best of their ability.

• In 1988 Minnesota law passed the Children’s Health Plan. This plan provided good quality outpatient health insurance for kids ages 1 to 17. In 1992 MinnesotaCare was created and in 1993, members of the Children’s Health Plan became covered by MinnesotaCare.

• When MinnesotaCare was signed into Minnesota law, the elected officials of the state came up with a plan to pay for the program. MinnesotaCare is paid for by small tax on the providers of the health care, a small increased tax on tobacco and premiums which were paid for by participants of the program. In the mid-nineties the federal government began aiding the program through waivers.

It is shocking to learn about a health care program that is affordable, provides good quality care and actually works as a system. Minnesota law succeeded in a task that the federal government could not. Leaders of the republican party should take a closer look at the MinnesotaCare program. It is a program that is run by the Minnesota government and provides good quality health insurance at an affordable rate. So when republicans claim that President Obama’s proposed health care plan is some sort of socialistic take over of our health care system destined to ruin our country, they should look at what Minnesota law has done and how much it has helped the state of Minnesota. It keeps its citizens healthy and it does not bankrupt them. While they are at it, the republicans should take a closer look at Medicaid which they support.

Minnesota laws have a history of good policy with bi-partisan support. With the exception of a low minimum wage, Minnesota laws have been relevant to modern needs and concerns. There are many infrastructure projects well under way due to the federal government’s stimulus package and it is the hard working class of Minnesota that will put these projects into action. It was also Minnesota laws that helped finally decided the winner of the 2008 senate election.

Minnesota Tax Laws

Recently the House of Representatives and the Senate passed legislation permitting American citizens and certain corporations to deduct donations to relief in Haiti from their 2009/10 income tax returns. However the Minnesota legislature has not made up their mind on whether to go along with this legislation. Minnesota tax laws do not allow Minnesotans to make contributions in 2010 now from their 2009 return. Hearings on adding this legislation to the Minnesota tax law will take place at the next Minnesota legislative session. It has been suggested that Minnesotans taxpayers may want to hold off on filing their returns until after this matter has been dealt with if they choose to donate to the Haiti relief.

The debate has become frustrating for some because they feel that the Minnesota tax law should not differ from federal tax law. This not the only problem that Minnesota tax laws have caused. Last year Minnesota was late in paying over 120 million dollars in corporate tax refunds to over 450 companies. Minnesota tax laws also delayed more than 10 million dollars to more than 300 other companies. Some believe that these issues were caused by collections of in company’s income that were hundreds of millions of dollars less than expected.

The earthquake in Haiti is one of the worst national disasters our world has ever seen. The United States has come together in unprecedented ways in order to help the Haitian people in any way they can. Citizens of Minnesota are frustrated that because of Minnesota tax laws, their efforts are going unnoticed for the time being.

The Minnesota tax law could adopt the new legislation as soon as this week. Minnesota tax law has been flawed in the past. However, many are optimistic that due to the problems of the past and the urgency of this matter, Minnesota tax law will act quickly. Haiti needs America’s help. Rebuilding Haiti will take years, but before we do that we must make sure there is enough food, water and essentials in order for the Haitian people to survive. The history and politics of Haiti should have no influence on the aid they receive. This earthquake killed many innocent people and it is up to us and other wealthy and fortunate countries to do our part in helping the Haitian people. Americans have always risen to the occasion. Whether it was after Pearl Harbor, the Kansas City bombing, 9/11 or any other disaster in our history; Americans are unmatched when coming together to help the fellow common man.

Employment Law

Unemployment numbers in America today are reaching record highs. In December of 2009 the unemployment rate reached almost 10% and many suggest that the number will rise. With numbers rising, many states are doing what they can in order to help put Americans back to work and raise wages for those who are working. Minnesota is an inspiring state in these bad economic times. Even with lower minimum wages than most states, they are in the process of putting many of it’s citizens back to work. Minnesota employment law is helping Minnesota employees by providing fair and equal opportunity for all citizens that live in the state. Minnesota minimum wage has risen since last year. Like most states, Minnesota minimum wage changes between small and large businesses. Minnesota has one of the highest unemployment rates in America and law makers from the state are doing everything they can to change that.

- Minnesota employment law suggests that employers do not have to hire anyone they do not want to. However the Minnesota employment law strictly enforces that someone’s age, gender, race or religious beliefs cannot influence the hiring and/or firing process. This is the case for most states in America. If an employee is fired, let go or quits they have a right to COBRA insurance for about 2 and a half years after their employment. COBRA is an extension of their health insurance benefits that the employee must pay for. This is beneficial to many people in Minnesota especially during a time in which it is very hard to find good quality and affordable health insurance.

- Minnesota minimum wage differs between the size of the business. As of the end of 2009, Minnesota minimum wage for small businesses is $5.25 and Minnesota minimum wage for larger businesses is $6.15. Minnesota minimum wage is one of the lowest in the country. Some suggest that the wages should be increased.

- The Minnesota employment law might be fair, but the state needs more jobs. The current stimulus package will be helping Minnesota tremendously. The state is currently working on many projects involved infrastructure. All of the proposed plans by Minnesota’s government will cost close to $990,000,000. This will put many people back to work and will improve the states infrastructure, schools and businesses.

This is a hard time for all of America. However, despite the economic hardship, Minnesotans seem to be hopeful and motivated to get their state back to being successful. Minnesota has been through some tough times in the past and with all of the proposed projects, it seem they will enjoy prosperity sooner rather than later.

DUI Laws

Many speculate whether the Minnesota DUI laws are too harsh or not strict enough. Either way, everyone can agree that getting a Minnesota DUI sure does have it’s consequences. Minnesota DUI laws include fines, jail time and license suspension even after the first offense. It gets worse witch each subsequent offense.

- Minnesota DUI laws state that after your first Minnesota DUI, one could face up to 3 months in jail, face fines that could exceed $1,000 and have their license suspended for up to 1 year depending on blood alcohol content, age and other factors.

-Minnesota DUI laws state that after the second Minnesota DUI, one could face up to a year in jail, fines exceeding $3,000 and license suspension up to a year depending on circumstances.

-Minnesota DUI laws state that after your third Minnesota DUI, one could also face up to a year in jail and fees exceeding $3,000 just like after the second offense. However, after the third offense one’s license could be suspended indefinitely and one year rehabilitation could be mandatory.

The social stigma that comes with a DUI can be far worse than the punishments. Most DUIs are reported in local papers which can be embarrassing to one’s family as well. Many DUI offenders are in their late teens up to late twenties. This is an important time in one’s life socially. Loosing your license will not only stop you from going out and socializing, but it will also stop you from getting to school and/or work. It is also harder to get a job even after the immediate reprocutions of a DUI have ended. A DUI stays on one’s record so future employers will always be able to see it.

Many would claim that these laws are in place to keep irresponsible drivers off the road. To the people that argue that these laws are too harsh, it could be suggested that laws in place that keep intoxicated drivers off the road cannot be a bad thing. Some Minnesotans believe that repeat offenders should face more harsh punishments. Regardless what you think of the punishments, driving while intoxicated is never necessary and should be prevented at all costs. The offender is not the only that is effected by their DUI. The offender’s family is put through embarrassing repercussions as well. Driving while intoxicated is extremely dangerous and many people have died due to the irresponsibility of those who choose to drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs. Hopefully Minnesota’s laws will help prevent more DUIs from happening.