Letter from Sen. Ortman – 4-21-10

4/21/2010

 

Dear Friends,

 

Over the last two weeks, some of the Senate's largest items that must be completed before Session ends have been put on hold. We have yet to see a health care finance omnibus bill; the Legislature is still waiting to hear how much money the state will be receiving from the federal government for health care purposes. That money could have a significant impact on what we are able to accomplish in the health care omnibus bill. Please see my newest article, No Gift, which addresses the Federal health care plan on my Senate InTouch webpage:

 

http://www.senate.mn/members/member_bio_personal.php?mem_id=1044&ls=86

 

Additionally, we are waiting for the courts to rule on the lawsuits against the Governor's 2009 unallotments. If the courts rule against the Governor's cuts, the State will again be responsible for finding the appropriate funding for those projects.

 

Governor Signs Jobs Bill

Recently, the Governor signed a bill into law that would provide over $100 million in tax credits over the next three years for small businesses intended to promote jobs across Minnesota. Included in these credits the Angel Investor Tax Credit, a credit for the renovation of historic buildings, a CARZ credit added to the preexisting JOBZ credits. Unlike JOBZ, CARZ is available to qualifying motor vehicle assembly facilities anywhere in the state.

 

This bill represents a crucial step forward for Minnesota in terms of economic development initiatives, job creation, support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and science & technology investments. The bill had strong bi-partisan support in the House and Senate. We can be proud of the fact that we had consensus in our State government on one of the most important goals for Minnesota during this difficult economy: new jobs.

 

From the District…

Recently, I had an opportunity to meet with a group of people from my district who work in the senior care industry. Providing adequate funding for the needs of our aging population has been a priority for me during my time in the State Senate. I asked this employee, "Charlie" (names have been changed to protect privacy) to share his story with me and the E-Update group. The narrative below was written by the Human Resources Director at a Senior Care Facility in my district. I am pleased that I had the opportunity to get to know "Charlie." I have also heard from many others who share Charlie's situation through e-mails and letters to my Senate office. I welcome the opportunity to share his story with you now, below.

 

Charlie (a Certified Nursing Assistant) works as a care attendant and activities assistant in our assisted living memory care program. He has been with this Senior Care Facility for over a year and loves his job. He is amazing with the residents and says that this is the most satisfying work he has ever done. He averages 82 hours per two week pay period and picks up additional shifts whenever they are available. Charlie is 50 years old and lives with Type 1 Diabetes. He makes $11.67/hour and is covered under our senior care facility's health insurance plan. He pays $237.00/month and the organization pays $355.80 on his behalf for his health coverage for a total cost of $593 each month. His deductible is $2,500.00. He has six prescriptions for his diabetes, depression, and asthma. At the current time, he fills his diabetes medication only when he is able and chooses not to test his blood sugar because he can't afford his testing supplies. His depression and asthma medicine have not been refilled for over 9 months. Charlie has a house payment of $1,024.00/month. Without even doing the math we can see that no matter how hard Charlie tries to be self sufficient he cannot make ends meet. Charlie came to my office last week and stated that he didn't know what to do. He has always taken care of himself and has never relied on public assistance. He is a proud man and doesn't want someone else to take care of him. However, because he can no longer afford his insurance and the cost of his medicine, he needs to make a choice between two really bad options. His first option would be to continue to work but ignore his medical needs by skipping his medication so he can continue to have a place to live and put food on the table. His second option is to reduce his hours enough so he reaches an income level that would qualify him for the state health plan. Even if he chooses his first option he will ultimately end up on some sort of public assistance, because his health will decline to the point where he is no longer able to work.

 

We cannot continue to cut reimbursement rates for nursing homes. The Governor has proposed cuts to budgets that fund nursing homes, but the legislature has consistently pushed back against those cuts. This year, the legislature will reject these cuts again. The Governor may suggest a budget, but ultimately it is the legislature that decides how funds are spent, and the legislature is not ready to cut these necessary funds.

 

Energy Independence

 

I came across an article that I'd like to share with you. It covers a U.S. Geological
Survey assessment for an oil reserve called the Bakken Formation. It lies under North Dakota, Montana, and the Rocky Mountains. The Bakken Formation, according to the new survey published 2 years ago, contains 3.0-4.3 billion barrels of technically recoverable oil. If you are interested in learning more about the Bakken Formation, please read more here:

 

http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1911

 

Thank you for reading this week's E-Update! If you have thoughts or responses to any of these issues, including Charlie's story, I would welcome the opportunity to hear from you. I deeply appreciate your involvement and thank you again for your interest.

 

Sincerely,

Julianne Ortman

State Senator

District 34

Sen. Ortman’s Capitol Report – April 6, 2010

 

First budget bill passed

The Minnesota Senate passed its first major budget bill the week before Easter/Passover break. The bill contained some cost-cutting measures but no real reforms, and was concerning in its deep public safety cuts.

 

As an alternative, Governor Tim Pawlenty's complete budget was offered, including job creation initiatives. It did not pass. During the debate, there was an appeal to fellow senators to reconsider the proposed $39.2 million in cuts - more than twice the Governor's requests - and to support amendments to reinstate funding to the fire safety fund, restore the state portion of funding for Sentencing to Service and lessen deep cuts to the state's courts, nursing homes and home care.

 

Throughout the process of cutting Minnesota's budget and reprioritizing spending, the scare tactic of cutting police and firefighters is often held over the heads of taxpayers. This partial budget seems to also demonstrate a trend towards limiting the options the Governor and Legislature will have later to force K-12 cuts or tax increases.

 

This piecemeal approach also ignores a comprehensive solution to this year's billion-dollar deficit and, like the earlier passage of the $1 billion bonding bill, shows a lack of sensible priorities by the majority leadership. Other budget bills will follow after the Easter/Passover break.

An amendment to repeal the Green Acres property tax changes to pre- 2008 rates was defeated 32-34.

Senator Julianne Ortman lead a press conference of Republican legislators in asking Attorney General Lori Swanson to file a lawsuit against unconstitutional provisions in the federal health care legislation.

Mid-Session Issue Update

FEDERAL HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION

On behalf of constituents, Minnesota legislators called on the state's congressional delegation to reject the federal health care reform bill prior to its passage last week and sought protection from the state's attorney general to file a lawsuit against the unconstitutional measure and abuse of power by the federal government. A letter signed by all 68 Republican legislators (47 House & 21 Senate) requesting legal action against H.R. 3590 was delivered to the office of Attorney General Lori Swanson. Governor Pawlenty has also requested the same action. The mandate in the federal law that would force U.S. residents to buy health insurance is unconstitutional, and it imposes an unconstitutional tax on individuals who do not comply with the mandate. Other problems with the legislation include the elimination of individuals right to choose private health care plans, a questionable funding mechanism for a new entitlement called the CLASS Act, and overall long-term funding and national deficit questions. Recent polling shows that a majority of Americans oppose the health care legislation, think it will hurt the economy, and will drive up health care costs.

2010 MIDSESSION UPDATE

 

BONDING/CAPITAL INVESTMENT

The Legislature passed a second bonding bill at about $1 billion of borrowing. Once again the Governor performed the work of the Legislature by reducing the size of the billion dollar bill down to $680 million. Some improvements were made to the bill in the area of public safety provisions including $47.5 million of the $89 million Moose Lake phase II expansion, Department of Corrections radio system, security system and perimeter fence upgrade for the state prison at Oak Park Heights, and renovation for the Minneapolis Veteran Affairs Building 17.

GENERAL ASSISTANCE MEDICAL CARE

The General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) fix has been passed and signed by the Governor. Effective June 1, 2010, the plan creates a new hospital-based coordinated care delivery system in partnership with county agencies. Coordinating Care Organizations (CCO) will manage health care and provide medically necessary services for GAMC eligible residents. Capped block grants to CCOs will be funded with $71 million from the state's General Fund. The agreement also includes a six month Uncompensated Care Pool (UCP) for hospitals that are not designated as CCOs. The temporary UCP will be funded with $20 million from the Health Care Access Fund. People eligible for the program continue to be low-income adults, ages 21-64, who have no dependent children, yet have the means available not to qualify for federally funded health care programs.

ENERGY OPTIONS

Again this year, lawmakers were denied the opportunity to vote on lifting the state's 16-year ban on new nuclear power plants, an issue that has become increasingly popular with Americans seeking clean, inexpensive energy. The measure was offered as an amendment to a solar energy bill in the full Senate, but no vote was taken after the bill's author pulled it from consideration. Recently, a bill that would have lifted the ban was denied by a few unsupportive members of a Senate energy committee. President Obama has recently announced federal government loan guarantees to build the first nuclear plants in the U.S. in three decades.

SIZE OF THE LEGISLATURE

A bill has been working its way through the committee process which would shrink the Minnesota Legislature from a total of 201 to 168 legislators. Currently, Minnesota has the 9th largest House of Representatives and the largest Senate of all legislatures in the 50 states.

ELECTIONS LAW

A new comprehensive elections reform law that had its genesis from the 2008 Coleman-Franken U.S. Senate recount has some good corrections such as ballot reconciliation measures to help ensure that all ballots are accounted for and tabulated according to the law by creating a chain of custody from election judges to municipal election officials. It also requires the Secretary of State to update the statewide voter registration system with the "challenged" status for convicted felons and illegal residents. The post-election sampling report will help legislators determine the number of illegal same-day voter registrations. The bill does not address election reforms such as provisional balloting or photo identification.

HAITI DEDUCTION NOW LAW

A bill designed to encourage donations to earthquake relief in Haiti has been signed into law. It allows those who contributed to relief efforts between January 11 and March 1 to deduct charitable donations on their 2009 state income taxes instead of waiting until next year. It also lets corporations deduct donations from corporate franchise taxes. The changes match state tax law with federal law.

RACINO

Talk of Racino – the proposed expansion of slot machine gambling to the state's two horseracing tracks – continues in light of the state's budget shortfall. Supporters say it could potentially supply $125 million annually for the state, money that could be used for a variety of needs, including education or to finance a new Vikings stadium, as well as provide jobs. There are also opponents who resist the expansion of gambling or feel promoters over promise its potential for return. It is unclear whether the proposal will see any further consideration during this session.

Mid-Session Issue Update

continued

Senators Julianne Ortman and Warren Limmer discuss legislation during a Senate floor session.

According to a Gallup Poll, 62 percent of Americans support nuclear power. (3/23/10)

Bonding Bill pull back gives “Pause” but will it give Intelligence.

Minnesotans call your DFL representative or any DFLer if you are not represented by one and thank them for holding back the bonding bill. Right now Minnesota faces a $1.2B budget deficit and adding another $1B to the books just does not make sense. To make matters worse the projects listed in the bonding bill do very little to improve the state or create permanent jobs. House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher explained the reason for pulling back the bonding bill as, "It's a pause, it's a second chance, and I think it's the right thing to do right now" (Star Tribune, February 24, 2010). I agree with the House Speaker but I don't share her reasoning. The hope of the DFL Party was to ram through the bonding bill then watch Governor Pawlenty red line, through the line-item veto, some of the projects on the list. Well Gov. Pawlenty sent a letter to the Legislature warning that the current bonding bill will be met with an outright veto.

Granted part of Pawlenty's plan is to show America and the Republican Party that he is fiscally conservative. Plus, I see the bonding bill becoming a bargaining chip as the Legislature deals with GMAC and other unallotment by Pawlenty. Let's put the politics aside for a moment and take a realistic look at the purpose of the bonding bill. The purpose of this bonding bill is to reward members of the Legislature for their vote with pet projects in their home region. I agree it would be great to have a sports complex in Western Carver County or a hockey rink in Hamburg but when already are facing a $1.2 B deficit this go around and a possible $5-8B next biennium red does it make sense? When you sit down to at your own budget and realize that the household income is falling short do you honestly think the best move is to put a pool in the backyard, buy a new SUV or take a 2-week all-inclusive cruise? Most responsible adults will say no.

Unfortunately that is not the mentality we are getting from our elected officials in Minnesota or Washington D.C. The Government cannot spend our way out of current economic situation, especially through pet projects like we see in the bonding bill. Now, if we must spend money and I mean must, and then spend it on projects that improve the communities that lay the ground work for future expansion and sustainable economic booms. Do we want to wait for another bridge to fall before replacing it? Do we want to wait for another town to be flooded before taking preventative measures? No. If we must spend a billion dollars then spend it on projects that improve the infrastructure of Minnesota. Community Centers, ice rinks, trails, parks, and sports complexes are great but if the sewer lines, bridges, roads, or levies give way all we end up doing is spending more money to clean up the Community Centers, ice rinks, trails, parks, and sport complexes.

In my small town of Hamburg money has been raised through fundraising activities to improve our park, erect an electronic sign, and other projects. Hamburg's population is only 550 residents. Why cannot a city like Rochester, that has a population of 100,413 (http://www.city-data.com/city/Rochester-Minnesota.html) people, find a way for citizens to raise funds for a new volleyball court? Rochester is about 183 times larger than Hamburg. According to Hamburg's City Clerk Jeremy Gruenhagen, at last night's city council meeting, the improvements made to Hamburg over the past eight was about $100,000. The $100,000 was not given to Hamburg for improvements made via the Legislature or Government; it was raised by the citizens that live in and around Hamburg. Now, I'd like to think that Rochester could raise more per capita but for argument sake let's say they raise the same as Hamburg. That would be $18,300,000. The proposed volleyball court, in the bonding bill, is only $5,000,000.

We have seen the power of donating through the incredible amount of money raised during the last Presidential election to the money amassed to help Haiti. When it comes to these extra frills for the community, the citizens need to take ownership and action not relying on a pet project to win a vote from their representative. Allow the money the state takes in to go to keeping up safe, assisting with education our youth and sustaining an infrastructure for continual growth. So, pick up the phone and thank the DFL Party for pulling back the bonding bill and implore them to rescind it in order to craft a new bonding bill that moves Minnesota forward.

Minnesota Bonding Bill: Pork or Good use of money?

Minnesotans, this week our glorious Senate passed $1.2B bonding bill. The bill has moved to the House and could see a vote as earlier as Monday. That is if the State Legislature does not observe President's Day. Many of you already know that Minnesota is experiencing a budget shortfall. The shortfall is so dire that Gov. Pawlenty used unallotment to balance the budget that is now being contested in court. Here is a short list of the critical items that are needed in Minnesota:

• New and upgraded exhibits at the Minnesota Zoo - $21 M
  
• New trails, paving and connecting existing trails – over $31 M
  
• A new volleyball court in Rochester - $5M
  
• A new women's hockey center in Blaine - $1 M
  
• Four new ice rinks in Big Lake, Cokato, Fergus Falls and New Hope - $2M
  
• Regional amateur sports facilities in Marshall and Moorhead - $5M
  
• Campground expansion in Two Harbors - $1M
  

This doesn't even include the millions spent for a planetarium, renovations to a civic center or updates to Arts Center. I understand interest rates are low and it will save the state money to make these update but are these updates really wise while millions of Minnesotans are out of work and trying to make ends meet? The pork barrel spending being proposed is not warranted and to burden future taxpayers with additional debt makes little sense. Or is this the time to spend millions on the items above? The small town I live is struggling to grow and faces mandates to keep its I/I up to code. Mandates that if not met will result in fines to the city. While Hamburg would like to expand and attract new residence and businesses, we cannot because our water/sewer system is tapped out. Any new business or residence can only occur if we improve our I/I ratio. That will cost the citizens of Hamburg over $1M. To put this in perspective, it could lead to an assessment to Hamburg residents in the neighborhood of $5000 or more and that does not include the sewer hookup.

Call your House Representative today to let them know how you feel about the bonding bill. For those in Hamburg, our representative if Rep. Kohls. Rep. Kohls can be reached at 651-2946-4282.

Minnesota State Legislative Session is a foot

The Minnesota State Legislature kicked off a new session yesterday. The session will be interesting as the Democrats look to press lame duck Governor Pawlenty on several issues facing the state. The main push by the DFL appears to be, at least early on, for job creation and higher education. Yesterday the DFL party unveiled a $1 billion public works proposal that has many on the other side of the aisle shaking their heads. A claim by the DFL is that the proposal will add 10,000 new jobs while the Republicans contend these jobs will be only temporary. If what the Republicans say is true about the temporary job creation, why would any rational person vote for such a bill when Minnesota is already facing a $1.2 billion deficit?

When I think of job creation my thoughts drift to sustainable and permanent jobs not temporary work. Granted some of the temporary work may lead to permanent employment but let's think wisely before we through around tax payer money. My hope is that the Minnesota State Legislature will learn from the mistakes of the Congress and the Obama Administration that government intervention is not the answer to sustained growth in the economy or the job market. Yesterday there was an article in the Star Tribune that discussed the windmills that dot the metro area and attempted to answer the question: Why are they not spinning?

While I agree that looking for alternative fuel sources is a good thing, we need to be smart about the choices pursued. The trouble with the windmills is that they were not properly outfitted for Minnesota Winters. That lack of thought boggles my mind. If the Minnesota State Legislature is serious about job creations then craft legislation that opens the door for nuclear energy. I understand that the Carter law has put a moratorium on new nuclear plants and the reusing of spent rods to which I say, "So what." We must take care of Minnesotans first and lead the way for other states to have the courage to stand up for their Constitutional rights as states.

I challenge the Minnesota State Legislature to fight for state rights and enact legislation that opens the way for more nuclear power plants in Minnesota. Previously I blogged about the job creation one new plant brings to a community. Not only will it bring new jobs to communities and Minnesota but it will also bring renewable energy as well. A renewable energy source that is cheaper per kilowatt than solar and wind combined. Does that not make sense? We are able to kill two birds with one stone; we create thousands of jobs and establish a green source of energy.

For those that live in Minnesota, please take time to contact your representative and express your concerns. If you do not know who your representative is start here to find out: http://www.leg.state.mn.us/ Also check back to that website to keep tabs on your representative as I will be. A goal of mine this year is to interject more local politics into the blog too.

State Budgets to be pushed over the brink by Medicaid expansion.

President Obama declared before the joint session of Congress, a few weeks back, that he will not sign a health care reform bill that adds one "dime" to the National Debt. Both the H.R. 3200 and the Baucus Bill have language to expand Medicaid to cover more low-income people. State budgets are already stressed and one of the provision under current Medicaid programs is that states cannot cut benefits instead states must cut other aspects of their budgets. "If the federal government wants to expand health care to everybody in the country, they should not force the states to pay part of the bill. If they want to do that, the federal government should pay for it," said Gov. Haley Barbour of Mississippi (http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009909150314).

Rep. Shelley Capito (R-W.VA) echoes the concerns governors have when she said, "We're talking about legislation with a staggering trillion dollar price tag, and now we're hearing from the governors about how this will hit state budgets as well. The reality is that funding Medicaid is tough for every state right now and there are real bipartisan questions about the way this legislation is moving forward in both houses of Congress" (http://www.dailymail.com/News/200910050806). While many in Congress, along with the Governors, see the benefits in the expansion of Medicaid the fear comes in the expansion of their already taxed budgets.

California just had a "garage sale" to raise funds to help payback some their IOU's. In Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty had to use unallotment to balance the budget. The federal government has for years been overstepping their Constitutional role by mandating legislation unto the states. It is time for the governors of each state to stand up and defend State Rights from the tyranny of the federal government. The promise made by President Obama as to not raising taxes on those making less than $250,000 will go out the window if Congress passing health care reform that expands Medicaid coverage. Granted the tax hike will not come from the federal government; rather it will come at the state level. This portion of the health care reform is a Ponzi scheme and violates the Constitutional rights afforded the States.

ACORN federal support is drying up.

ACORN CEO Bertha Lewis announced last Wednesday that "As a result of the indefensible action of a handful or our employees, I am, in consultation with ACORN's Executive Committee 1, immediately ordering a halt to any new intakes into ACORN's service programs until completion of an independent review. I have also communicated with ACORN's independent Advisory Council, and they will assist ACORN in naming an independent auditor and investigator to conduct a thorough review of all the organizations relevant systems and processes" (www.acorn.org). The announcement came after the release of four videos by an independent filmmaker that posed as a pimp and included a female actress that posed as a prostitute.

The four videos were recorded at offices in California, Baltimore, Washington, and Brooklyn. James O'Keefe and Hannah Giles set up was of setting up a house of prostitution and wanted advice on how to skirt the IRS and government eye. When the first video broke, ACORN stated that is was an isolated incident. It was not until the fourth video that ACORN and others were concerned by the actions. The videos have created more back lash against ACORN.

Earlier this week the Senate voted 83-7 to block HUD from giving further grants to ACORN. The U.S. Census Bureau has cut ties with ACORN as well. Gov. Pawlenty sent a letter the commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget to stop funding, not legally obligated, to ACORN. The move by Gov. Pawlenty has been seen locally as grandstanding since it ACORN is reporting they have not received any funds from the state of Minnesota since 2008 (http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2009/09/pawlenty_halts.shtml).

Along with ACORN's own interim investigation, Bertha Lewis (ACORN Chief Organizer) is claiming that "It is clear that the videos are doctored, edited, and in no way the result of the fabricated story being portrayed by conservative activist 'filmmaker' O'Keefe and his partner in crime." Lewis even went onto blame FOX News and asserted that the media outlet is a co-conspirator. Fox News did break the story and have long been an advocate of the "seedy" actions taken by ACORN; voter fraud. View the videos for yourself to determine your own thoughts as well.

Brooklyn video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN0ypLA_pcQ

Baltimore video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtTnizEnC1U&feature=PlayList&p=354262CC2622D7A2&index=0&playnext=1 & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjiL6uGT--8

California video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2apUK9g3Zo & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLtPIeolDKY & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVwN9NRvDuM

Washington D.C. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1_SFXmlfNg & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRJrkupmtJI

Why is mass media only discussing the videos in a knee-jerk reaction and not doing investigative journalism themselves? Robert Gibbs said, "Obviously, the conduct that you see on those tapes is completely unacceptable. I think everyone would agree to that" (http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE58G4CB20090917). Yesterday the House of Representatives voted 345 to 75 on a bill that would remove the middle man from the federal student-loan programs. A rider on the bill will cut federal funding of ACORN. Robert Gibbs alluded, during his press conference, that "FEMA grants that were let in previous administrations – that we constantly evaluate to ensure that any grantee is living up to what has to happen in order to fulfill that grant application" (http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2009/09/acorns_federal_funding_further.html).

This is not the first time that ACORN has come under fire. During the 2008 presidential election allegations were levied on ACORN of committing voter registration fraud. ACORN has always maintained their innocence since not one of their employees or volunteers had been arrested. That innocence ended when Miami-Dade State Attorney's office issued warrants for 11 suspects, of which five were in custody as of Wednesday the 9^th of September, that are believed to have falsified hundreds of voter registration cards (http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/1224631.html). Perhaps the shell will be removed from ACORN and the real nut will be discovered.

Race for Governor of Minnesota has started!!!

Gov. Pawlenty announced several weeks ago that he will not seek another term as Governor of Minnesota. Although the election is 17 months away, many are starting to line up for their party nomination. With a wide open field and several of candidates to choose from, my neighbor and I decided to hear what one of those candidates had to say first hand.

Last night at the Chanhassen American Legion, Rep. Paul Kohls held a kick off meeting for his campaign to become the next Governor of Minnesota. Mr. Kohls spoke for about a hour on what it will take to win the nomination and the Governorship, gave insight into his position and character, and finally asked for support of those in the room. Back in April at the Tea Party held at Capitol, Chris Baker challenged the crowd to not end their participation in the process with the Tea Party gathering.

I took that personally which was part of the reason why I attended the meeting last night. Rep. Kohls has been out to Hamburg to hear the biggest issue facing the city. In fielding questions from the City Council and the general public, he didn't use vague terms or political talk when answering the concerns. Since that meeting, I have corresponded with Rep. Kohls to gain greater understanding of his stance on issues that concern me the most.

During the meeting last night many questions were asked but I still left the meeting with a few questions unanswered. I did leave my questions for Rep. Kohls and look forward to hearing his responses. As an Independent, I will find a candidate to support that best fits my core ideals. From my conversations with Rep. Kohls and observations from his website, my support is leaning his way.

That is my challenge to all that read my blog. Find a candidate that represents your ideals best. While there will be several candidates vying for your vote for Governor, take a moment to visit each of their websites to learn more about them. One can start by visiting www.kohlsforgovernor.com

What a weekend!!!

Crazy weekend. Not from the standpoint of the 4th of July or what was done over the weekend; rather the news headlines. I left Friday morning for the hinterlands of northern Minnesota where I would not have immediate access to news sources, email, or television. The radio kept us informed on the big topics and we did step in the house to see the final 10 laps of NASCAR on Saturday night.

To start the long 4th of July weekend, America saw increased attacks on insurgents in Afghanistan and woke Monday morning to the death of Robert McNamara. In between that time the political landscape saw major changes. Gov. Palin announced that she was going to step down at the end of July as Governor of Alaska. Rumors and speculation have swirled since her announced. The rumors got another boast on Monday morning when Joe Scarsborough suggested that perhaps Gov. Palin will have a television show.

Mr. Scarsborough mentioned on MSNBC that the timing was interesting that Gov. Palin is stepping down while FoxNews has not renewed Gretta Van Susteren contract. There is no arguing that Gov. Palin is a ratings boaster. The highest rated shows last year on Saturday Night Live took place when Gov. Palin made appearances. Politically, I do not understand her announcement to step down. Granted Gov. Pawlenty announced that he would not seek re-election as Minnesota Governor but he will at least ride the wave out. The move by Palin appears to be political suicide. If it is not it could usher in a new method of branding in politics.

The weekend also brought another earth moving headline when it was reported that Steve McNair was found dead from several gunshot wounds with a 20-yard woman who also was apparently shot by the same gun. Authorities believe the gun found at the scene was the murder weapon. Just this morning it was reported that McNair and the young woman had been "dating" for the past few months.

This week will finally, possibly, see the last conversation of Michael Jackson as a ceremony is planned at the Staples Center. The kicker of the ceremony is it expected to cost the city of Los Angeles $2M. Last I recall, the state of California had a budget shortfall in excess of $25M. Why is the Jackson family not footing the bill? Be interesting to see the fallout from that.

I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable 4th of July weekend.

Gov. Pawlenty accomplishes what Minnesota Legislature couldn't

Early this year Governor Tim Pawlenty warned the Democrat lead Minnesota State Legislature that if an agreement was not met on balancing the budget there would be no special session and he would use unallotment to balance the budget. Tuesday Gov. Pawlenty announced which programs are to be affected. The Democrat lead Minnesota State Legislature offered little in the ways of cost cutting to balance the budget; rather the Democrats looked to established a fourth tier tax rate and increase taxes on every Minnesotan.

Why is the philosophy of the Democrats only way to balance a budget it through higher taxes? Minnesotans have to tighten their belts due to the economic downturn; yet Democrats feel raising taxes is the only means to balance the budget. Gov. Pawlenty accomplished what was needed by reducing the budget by 3 or 4%. Gov. Pawlenty echoed the realities facing Minnesota families and businesses by saying, “I think it’s very reasonable for the state of Minnesota to do the same thing” as Minnesotans tighten their belts.

Gov. Pawlenty is delaying $1.8B in state aid to public school districts resulting in 73% going to schools this year with the remainder to come in year 2. Other cuts made by Gov. Pawlenty is $300M in state aid to cities, counties and townships; $236M from health and welfare grants and services; $100M to higher education; $67M to renters’ tax refunds and the elimination of political contribution tax refund; and $33M to state agency budgets.

The cuts drew a negative response from Margaret Anderson Kelliher. Minnesota House Speaker Kelliher response to the unallotment was, “In just under an hour today, Governor Pawlenty has done more damage to Minnesota than he has throughout his entire career.” Really? Speaker Kelliher shame on you. It was your Legislature that failed Minnesotans by not working with the Governor to establish a balance budget without putting more burdens on Minnesotans.
Many on the national scene say Americans need to give President Obama’s stimulus plan a chance and it won’t be an overnight shift to help the economy; why than are Democrats in Minnesota not giving the same leeway to the cuts made by the Governor? It is time for Government agencies, higher education, k-12 school system, and government run health care systems to work leaner and smarter.

Unfortunately the cuts to cities, counties and townships may have an adverse effect on a city in which I live. Hamburg residents have a sanitary sewer system that is taxed and has been for over 30 years. Finally, something is going to be done even in light of a recession. In order for Hamburg to grow by adding additional businesses and homes a major face lift is required to the sanitary sewer system.

Part of the funding was to come from assistance from the state. Now that funding may be in question. The funding question is an important one but pales in comparison to the need for an upgrade to the sanitary sewer system. The worst case scenario is residents in Hamburg will see assessments made on their properties to help pay for the sanitary sewer upgrade. Residents of Hamburg could sit here kicking and screaming at Gov. Pawlenty over the budget cuts; instead rational though prevails.

I applaud Gov. Pawlenty for taking bold moves to balance the budget. Personally, I would have made deeper cuts to education because there is a lot of waste in the education system. It’s time for Minnesota educators to take a hard look at the current system and reform it.

Flatten the tax

Across the United States many state governments are dealing with fiscal shortfalls. In a knee jerk reaction the decision is overwhelming a raise in taxes. In Minnesota the Senate is looking to create a 4th tax tier while increasing the tax rates of the other three. When people are struggling to make ends meet, housing prices plummeting, unemployment rates raising, and runaway inflation just around the corner, why then are so many governments looking to raise taxes?

The cigarette tax just went up more than $0.50 a pack and discussion at the Minnesota State Capital is to increase it again. Really? We all understand that smoking is not a healthy vice. The purpose of the original tax, which just went into effect, was to raise tax while making it less economical for the youth. The proponents of tax increases, especially on cigarettes, will have diminishing returns. Sure, the state will reap a short term gain. Is the short term gain really the type of tax system we want?

NO!!! The trouble with Congress, both state and nationally, is the focus on short term goals. I agree we need a change and increasing taxes is not the change required. It is time to scrap the current tax code and replace with a flat tax. The reason why more taxes are being sought is due to Government becoming too large.

Minnesota Legislature is going to drive business from the state and discourage the wealthy from staying in Minnesota by implementing a 4th tier tax rate. The focus of the debate will be on partisan politics as Gov. Pawlenty has warned the state legislature that any tax hike would be met with a veto. When will the DFL party wake up and realize that taxing Minnesotans more will only make Minnesota less attractive to future investment while driving our young to other states where they can keep more of their money.

Representatives and Senators of Minnesota do something brave and implement a flat tax that encourages business development and puts Minnesota in the lead of attracting top talent – business and personnel – for years to come.