Minnesota Miracle (legislation)

Wendell Anderson, a Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) governor elected at age thirty-eight, campaigned in 1970 on a promise to reduce school-district property taxes. He faced a legislature controlled by Conservatives,* and his plan to reform property taxes asked for a 37-percent increase in state spending. It took the longest special legislative session in state history, but he fulfilled the promise. Anderson’s initiative raised income and sales taxes, and he became one of the most popular governors in Minnesota history.

TIME magazine cover featuring Minnesota Governor Wendell Anderson

TIME magazine cover featuring Minnesota Governor Wendell Anderson

The cover of the August 13, 1873, issue of Time magazine, featuring Minnesota Governor Wendell Anderson.

Legislative hearing on property taxes, 1971

Legislative hearing on property taxes, 1971

“Protestors pack the St. Paul Armory for a joint legislative hearing on property taxes, April 1, 1971.” Caption and photograph from Dave Kenney and Thomas Saylor, Minnesota in the 70s (St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2013), 20. Original photo in Minnesota Historical Society collections.

Scott Long cartoon satirizing Governor Wendell Anderson

Scott Long cartoon satirizing Governor Wendell Anderson

Cartoon by Scott Long, February 17, 1971, depicting Minnesota Governor Wendell Anderson. The drafted caption (above) reads, “Afternoon, ma’am! I’m working my way through the legislature…” Used in Dave Kenney and Thomas Saylor, Minnesota in the 70s (St. Paul: Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2013), 18. From the political cartoons and related papers (1946–1980) of Scott Long, Manuscripts Collection, Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul.

Anti-Wendell Anderson bumper sticker

Anti-Wendell Anderson bumper sticker

Bumper sticker (ca. 1970) dismissing gubernatorial candidate Wendell Anderson as “Spendy Wendy.” Anderson campaigned on a platform of tax reform and increased spending on education.

Governor Wendell Anderson signs a 1971 legislation package (the Minnesota Miracle) into law

Governor Wendell Anderson signs a 1971 legislation package (the Minnesota Miracle) into law

Governor Wendell Anderson signs a 1971 legislation package (the Minnesota Miracle) into law. Looking on are (from left to right): John Haynes, Anderson’s tax aide; Sen. Harold Kalina; Rep. Irv Anderson, Rep. Martin Sabo, and Rep L.J. Lee. Photo by Duane Braley for the Minneapolis Tribune, October 31, 1971, 1A. From the Minneapolis and St. Paul newspaper negatives collection, Minnesota Historical Society.

Wendell Anderson and Rudy Perpich after the 1970 general election

Wendell Anderson and Rudy Perpich after the 1970 general election

Liberal senate caucus members at the Lexington restaurant, St. Paul, November 1970. Wendell Anderson (seated, center) and Rudy Perpich (seated, left) had just been elected governor and lieutenant governor; Senate Minority Leader Nicholas Coleman stands behind Perpich. Original photo in Minnesota Historical Society collections.

AIM news conference, 1971

AIM news conference, 1971

After the occupation of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, Dennis Banks (at microphone) and other AIM leaders hold a news conference with US Senator Walter Mondale (right) on May 21, 1971. From the Minneapolis and St Paul newspaper negatives collection, Minnesota Historical Society.

AIM at Twin Cities Naval Air Station

AIM at Twin Cities Naval Air Station

On May 17, 1971, AIM activists scaled a fence to begin their occupation of the Twin Cities Naval Air Station. From the Minneapolis and St Paul newspaper negatives collection, Minnesota Historical Society.

Sarah Bad Heart Bull and AIM members in Custer, South Dakota

Sarah Bad Heart Bull (center, wearing glasses) confronts law enforcement officers on the steps of the courthouse in Custer, South Dakota, 1973. From box 3 (152.B.11.3B) of Wounded Knee Legal Defense / Offense Committee records, Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul.

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Politics