Nice work if you can get it

I saw this little tidbit on the MPR website. Pawlenty leaves on trade trip to Israel

Here is the story if you missed it.

Minneapolis — Gov. Tim Pawlenty is traveling to Israel today for a four-day trade mission.
Pawlenty is leading a delegation of 37 business executives, community leaders and government officials, with stops planned in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
State officials say 100 Minnesota companies are currently doing business in Israel. During an airport news conference before his departure, Pawlenty said he hopes to expand exports to the Middle East country.
"We want to make sure we open as many doors and as many eyes to future trade and future friendship between Israel and Minnesota, both economically, culturally and otherwise," said Pawlenty.
Pawlenty is leading Minnesota's second trade mission to Israel. Gov. Arne Carlson traveled there in 1993. Israel is Minnesota's 21st largest trading partner.


I just have to wonder How much this trip is going to cost the citizens of Minnesota.

We as a state are looking at a 5.2 Billion Dollar deficit over the next 2 1/2 years. the Governor is talking about unallotment and cutting LGA to cities and counties which will cost the Tax payers more locally. Yet Gov Governor Pawlenty is able to find money to go to Israel with some of his Friends at the Minnesota taxpayers expence during the holiday season?

Give me a break!!!!

Online Classes

It isn't very often that I agree with Gov. Pawlenty but here is one issue that it seems we do agree on. According to an MPR article one of Governor Pawlentys goals is to see that 25% of colleges classes be offered online by 2015. I also heard that by 2013 the governor wants to make it mandatory that all high school, students must take one high school class online to graduate.

Here is some of what MPR had to say:

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system hopes to offer a quarter of college credits to students online by the year 2015.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty and MnSCU officials say their goal is to modernize how classes are delivered, and to maximize efficiency.
The governor went so far as to say increasing online coursework will be one way of measuring the accountability of colleges in the future.
"as requests come forward for more buildings for example, we're going to say, 'How are you doing on your online goal? And before you talk about adding new buildings, how are you making progress on your online goal?'" said Pawlenty.
About 9 percent of MnSCU credits were delivered to students online during the last academic year, and about one-quarter of MnSCU students took at least one online course....
The Republican governor is pushing online learning at both the high school and college levels.

I believe this is a goal that can be reached.

Minnesota Majority

I read with interest a news article about a Minnesota group that is upset about Minnesota's same-day voter registration law. It seems that Minnesota Majority doesn't feel that we as citizens of Minnesota should not have the right to register to vote at the polls on election day

According to Twincities.com Minnesota Majority president Jeff Davis says he's not satisfied with county officials' response to his questions about voter records. Davis says he opposes same-day voter registration and wants to require voters to show photo identification before they cast ballots.

Looks like just another right wing group that wants to make it harder for you to vote.

Marty Still at the Helm

I see that the House GOP has again elected Marty Seifert as their House Minority Leader for the next two years.
Ya know Marty has done such a wonderful job over the last four years spitting out his Republican rhetoric. I still remember how unwound he became over the gas tax increase that he was striping his own party members from committee post for voting to override Pawlentys veto.
Marty the people have spoken and you just lost two more House seats maybe you might need to take a look at yourself and see if it is you who is out of touch with the voters of Minnesota. With Him At the Helm the DFL could have a veto proof Majority in two years. We might even see our first DFL Governor elected in over twenty years.

Sarah Palin

So last night was billed as Sarah Palins big coming out party but even thou she gave a good speech She seems to have a little problem with her facts. her is some interesting info from CBS fact checking

Palin on Special Needs Children
Palin said: "To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House

But the Fact is;
Palin actually slashed funding for schools for special needs children by 62%

Palin on the Bridge to Nowhere:
I told the Congress "thanks, but no thanks," for that Bridge to Nowhere. If our state wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourselves."

The Fact is
the Earmarks for the Bridge to Nowhere were removed before Sarah Palin became governor. and in her campaign for governor when asked;
Would you continue state funding for the proposed Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges?
Palin replied: Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now--while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist."

I also think it is interesting when Palin says America needs more energy ... our opponent is against producing it."
But the fact is that the Obama plan is to develop more energy then Sen.John McCain 's plan it's just that Sen. Obama want to increase renewable energy not carbon-based energy.

An interesting side note is if Sen. McCain is so interested in our Energy Crisis why has he missed the last eight votes on renewable energy?

I have to admit that Sarah Palin is bringing back memories of Dan Quayle

Ask Real Questions

Rep. Tim Walz had a nice editorial in the Albert Lea Tribune today if you missed it here it is

Ignore finger-pointing and ask real questions

If there’s one thing Minnesotans don’t need from their politicians, it’s more finger-pointing and political slogans. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what state Sen. Dick Day gave the readers of the Albert Lea Tribune on Aug. 24.
I ran for Congress in 2006 because I was fed up with the partisan bickering. In Washington, from the farm bill to the G.I. Bill, I have worked with members of both parties to forge common-sense solutions to the problems facing the people of my district. I spend my time back home traveling hundreds of miles across southern Minnesota and talking to folks about their hopes and concerns.
From the economy to energy, I have sponsored good legislation to help middle-class families. My middle-class tax cut will help 61 million Americans. And, I’ve worked with colleagues from both parties on a bipartisan energy bill that increases offshore drilling and uses new royalty payments to finance research and development in clean fuels and speed up our transition to energy independence.
These bills are common-sense solutions to the problems facing ordinary Americans. In fact, Sen. Day himself has said he doesn’t oppose my middle-class tax cut and he’s glad I’m working on the bipartisan energy bill. And groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have endorsed my energy bill, saying it will, “have a meaningful impact on energy prices.”
This campaign season, I encourage you to ignore the political finger-pointing and ask: Which candidates are forging common-sense solutions that work for us? I think you’ll find that on a host of important issues, I’m working for you.
Tim Walz
U.S. representative
First Congressional District
Mankato

Great Job

I was talking to some friends the other day and they told me that they had heard that Robin Brown was closing in on having door knocked over 8,000 homes so far this summer.

WOW, GREAT JOB ROBIN

Then I saw this recently on the Albert Lea Tribune Website

Why I plan to vote for Robin Brown this Fall
By Jeshua Erickson

I plan to vote for Robin Brown this Fall. Here's why:

1) She is accessible. If you want to talk to Robin about something, ask her a question or need help solving a problem that involves the Minnesota State Legislature, call Robin. She can help.

2) She values education. Robin is a teacher at Albert Lea High School, so when it comes to knowing how important it is that we support education in Minnesota, Robin has first-hand experience. She uses her experience as a teacher to make education decisions that are right for Minnesota's future.

3) She has foresight. I remember a debate in the last election cycle where Robin was telling members of the audience how important it was that we keep our roads and bridges in good shape. She was emphatic about this long before the I-35W bridge fell in Minneapolis. Robin is a state representative who is proactive, not reactive.

4) She works hard.Robin works hard to earn your vote and she wants to find out what it is that matters most to you. She's personally knocked on door after door after door, wearing her bright yellow blazer on hot summer days just to let you know she cares about each and every person she represents.

Robin, thanks for everything you've done for us so far. Keep up the great work!

I can't agree more
Thanks Robin for listening to my concerns when you were out in my neighborhood this summer
in 90 degree heat.
Keep up the good work

Random Thoughts

I received a call tonight from a friend of my who was out at the Freeborn County Fair today.
He told me that the Republican booth was lacking their nice big pictures of President George W Bush and VP Dick Cheney. Gee what happened Guys and Gals don't tell me that you want to forget the last 7 years too.

My friend also told me that the Freeborn County GOP was going to give away $20.00 for free gasoline in a drawing on Sunday. So I decided to do the math and when I figured in the price of gas at today's price of 3.59 a gallon the total gas you will win in the drawing is 5.6 gallons. They must figure that they can't afford to five away a full tank because it would cost them to much. So being the conservatives that they are they must of figured that a quarter of a tank was enough.

My friend also said that the Freeborn County DFL was giving away some Tim Walz T-shirts which lasted less then 10 minutes before they were all gone. He also said that the Robin Brown Fans were going like hot cakes. On a day like today I would take a Robin Brown fan over a GOP Sticker any day.

I'm Shocked

As I was web surfing tonight I noticed that Minnesota 20/20 has done a report on road safety. A survey of Minnesota's County Highway Engineers has brought some interesting facts about the roads and bridges in our state , such as:

• Nearly three-quarters of county engineers surveyed say the roads and bridges they maintain have deteriorated in the past decade as costs and traffic demands have risen while state support has stagnated.
• The falloff in county road and bridge quality and safety has persisted despite a doubling of local property taxes dedicated to roads and bridges in 10 years, to an estimated $1.6 billion in 2006
• 4% of county engineers surveyed say they have even returned 20th century paved roads to 19th century style gravel or dirt roads
• New state-level road and bridge financing enacted this year over Gov. Tim Pawlenty's veto will ease the situation somewhat, but "not enough to make a real difference." More than 92 percent of county engineers surveyed said the revenue increases won't allow them to meet their transportation goals.

County engineers that responded to the survey stated in their recommendations that, the state should adopt recommendations of the Minnesota County Engineers Association, particularly:

• Inflation indexing of the gasoline tax, which lost nearly half its buying power in the 20 years between the two most recent increases.
• Authority for counties to levy annual wheelage taxes of up to $20 per vehicle for roads and bridges.
• Some form of road impact fees to defray a fair share of the actual costs of real estate development
and heavier truck traffic on county roads.
• Increased state general obligation bonding to repair or replace aging local bridges.

In a Poll taken of the county engineers when asked what strategies they used to meet road and bridge funding challenges

70% said they had to increase property taxes. But the number that really jumped out at me was that 44% of county engineers stated that that they had cut snowplowing and other maintenance efforts because of lack of funding.

That is not right! We are talking about public safety here, yours , mine, our children and our grandchildren safety. Yes we need to find ways to keep our roads safe but cutting maintenance and snow plowing is NOT the way to go.

Jotting

I heard Dick Day was in town recently tryng to muster up support from the small business folks. So now that he is out on the campaign trail driving all over the First District one has to wonder if he has finally noticed just how bad the roads are in the state.

Do You Think?
With the July 3rd parade just days away, will the Freeborn County Republican party be welcoming Dick to town with open arms?

Next

While I'm writing about our local republican party, I was checking out their website recently and noticed they have a little write up on Norm Coleman. well since Sen Coleman has been senator for the last 6 years I for one would think that they would be able to spell his name right. So here is a little heads up to my republican friends Norms last name is spelled Coleman not "Colman" hope that helps.

I also notice that Erik Larson said on his website that he give back to the community as a part of the Bayside Skiers water show. Ok so is showing off ones water skiing skills really giving back to the community? I think not.

What has Erik really done for the citizens here? Looks like "Nothing."

Lastly

I have always wondered why the Chamber of Commerce holds the Independence Day parade on the evening of July 3?

By doing so they are excluding the men and women of the community and the area who work the night shift at our local business and factories from taking part in or enjoying this event.

These are young to middle age working class citizens with families, why would we want to exclude these hard working people and their families from attending? The committee that plans this parade need to at least look into planing this event in the future so the working class citizens that work the night shift can also enjoy this wonderful event.

Walz fight for Us

The high gas prices are inflicting some real pain on the citizens of the first district. Rep. Tim Walz also feels the pain and is doing something about it.

As Minnesotans are preparing their travel plans for the 4th of July, Congressman
Walz took steps today to stop price gouging at the pumps. Walz joined 275
of his colleagues in voting for the Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act (HR
6346). This legislation will allow the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to
investigate and punish individuals and companies taking advantage of American
consumers and will help families and businesses that are struggling with record
gas prices.“Our summer driving season is well underway and hard working families
are paying a heavy price for this Administration’s failure to hold Big Oil
accountable,” said Walz. “In Mankato, gas costs $3.93 a gallon, which is more
than double the cost when Bush took office. Enough is enough.”Walz continued,
“This bill will allow the FTC to investigate and punish those who artificially
inflate the price of gasoline and diesel fuel to greedily make more money. Under
the bill, the Justice Department could impose criminal penalties of up to $150
million on corporations and fines of up to $2 million and jail sentences of up
to 10 years for individuals who are found guilty of gas price gouging


Rep. Walz understands that the high cost of fuel has a ripple effect on us all. Beside costing us more at the pump it also drives up the cost of food, goods and services which in turns takes more money out of the pockets of hard working citizens. It's time to stand up for the citizens that are feeling the pinch.

Thanks Rep Walz

John McCain: Energy and Global Warming

Where does John McCain really stand on the issue of Energy and Global Warming?

On the Environment

In 2007, Mr McCain had a voter rating of 0 of the 15 critical votes taken on the Environment. John McCain missed them all. Mr. McCain only has a lifetime rating of 26% in supporting environmental issues.

Big Oil

It is well known that John McCain is a huge supporter of Big Oil.
Did you know that:

In 2007, John McCain received $291,658.00 from big oil and gas industries.

Sen. McCain was the only senator to miss a vote to end tax breaks for big oil and to invest in clean energy, according to Forbes.com, and would have voted in support of big Oil if he had been there.

Sen. McCain has proposed to cutting the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25 percent. By doing so, he would have lowered Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips taxes by $1.2 billion each in 2007.

Sen. McCain voted against temporarily taxing oil company profits so consumers could receive a tax credit.

Sen. McCain has said that America dependency to foreign oil is a threat to our Security. Yet Sen McCain voted against a plan that would have reduced imports of foreign oil .

Renewable Energy

With wind energy becoming a part of life here, it's interesting to note that in 2002 and again in 2005, Sen. McCain voted 4 times against funding for wind and solar energy He has vote against requiring utilities nationwide to generate 10 percent to 20 percent of their electricity from renewable energy resources.

Sen. McCain wants to greatly increase the use of nuclear energy to solve our energy problem and would cut ethanol subsidies.

It is becoming clear that a President McCain would be another four years of Bush Policies towards the environmental and global warming issues. Can the world really stand four years of John McCain?

I think NOT!

.
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Have You Heard?

The Republican smear machine has been working overtime for a while now on putting out false accusations on the air waves and in cyberspace about Sen. Barack Obama

Like, have you received an e-mail lately telling that Sen. Obama won't pledge allegiance to the flag?

How about the one that says he took the Senate oath of office with his hand on the Qur'an?

Well folks, these rumors are nothing more then lies and mistruths that have been circling around the Internet, spread by the GOP Sleaze machine. Republicans seem to care less if a smear has any truth to it or not.

To think this type of false information is being spread by the Party that says it stands up for family values. I never knew that lying was a positive family value. .

One would think that the religious right would be up in arms over this type of conduct of spreading lies and mistruths, since it is breaking one of the 10 commandments.

Remember number nine?

'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.'

Why haven't we heard a word from them over these tactics???


The Obama campaign has started a new website called Fight the Smears. This new site is an effort to fight back against damaging rumors being spread about him.

Check this cite out and find out the truth. Then stop and think for a few minutes, then ask your self,
if all the republicans can do do is spread rumors, lies and mistruths to avoid answering the real issues that is affecting all Americans, how can we really trust them?

Sophomores Take Action

I read with interest the article written by guest columnist Abbey Arends about the violence that is being perpetrated on the people of Darfur by its own government that was in the Albert Lea Tribune

It is truly a noble cause theses students have taken by standing up and condemning the genocide that is happening there.

What a great idea Sam Sickels, and her group members had in writing a letter along with sending a petition with 152 signatures to Rep. Tim Walz urging him to spread awareness about the genocide taking place on the Darfurian peoples.

It make me proud to see our young people taking part in such a noble cause. Keep up the good work and let your voices be be heard.

If anyone would like to write Rep Walz on this issue you can e-mail him by clicking on
his name below

Rep. Tim Walz

Unite

Howard Dean kicked off the State DFL convention yesterday by telling democrats to unite.

"Our goal is to end the Bush presidency and not allow a third term for George W. Bush. Mr. Dean added " We honor John McCain's service to America, but he has served enough,"

Dean went to to say that John McCain is

"badly out of touch with what the American people want"

and added that McCain is

"the wrong choice for America's future

Mr. Dean received a ovation when he said:

"Anybody who believes that the American people want to stay in Iraq for another 100 years under any circumstances is badly out of touch with what the American people want"

in a interesting side note,

58 percent of voters under 30 now identify themselves as Democratic or leaning Democratic.

Mr. Dean wrote wrote in a e-mailing earlier this week that:

As we move toward the general election, the Democratic Party has to be the Party of ordinary Americans, not Washington lobbyists and special interests. So, as of this morning, if you're a federal lobbyist, or if you control political action committee donations, we won't be accepting your contribution

Think the Republicans will join this stance?

Not a chance.

History

I have seen many changes in our country over the last fifty years:

• Political activists being murdered in the south because for their attempts to register blacks to vote.
• The assassinations of a president, a civil rights leader and a candidate running for president.
• Men walked on the moon.
• Spacecrafts sent to outerspace and Mars
• Mars landing and pictures sent back of Mars surface
• The end of the cold war
• Women running for and being elected to public office
• The first black, Barack Obama, claimed the nomination of the Democratic Party to run for President.

Our nation has come a long way in the last fifty years in the quest for equality. But we still have a long way to go - especially with equal rights for women, civil rights, and affordable health care for all Americans.

Gas Tax was Good Move

The Albert Lea Tribune has a nice Editorial on its opinion page today on the gas tax

Here is the Editorial

There has been a lot of debate on this opinion page about House District 27A Rep. Robin Brown’s vote for the transportation bill that passed during this year’s legislative session.And debate is good. It is healthy for society and for democracy.But Brown was indeeed right in her support for the gas tax. It wasn’t a Republican vs. Democrat issue so much as a Legislature vs. Gov. Tim Pawlenty issue. However, he does lead the Republican Party in Minnesota, and now many supporters of the gas tax are being chastised, in spite of the fact that many Republicans in this session and previous sessions have favored it.Let’s get one thing straight: Taxes are not responsible for the spike in gasoline prices. In fact, if you repealed the taxes, you wouldn’t get an extra low price. Instead, you’d find the price nearly the same because that is about what the market will bear right now.Furthermore, the 8.5 cents per gallon that will be added to the price of gas by 2013 is a drop in the bucket compared to the amount consumers are sending to the profits of Big Oil. Chump change to fix Minnesota’s roads is not asking all that much.Brown fulfilled her campaign pledge to help Minnesota’s highways. Anyone complaining about how she voted indeed has the free-speech right to speak up, but they definitely can’t say they didn’t see this coming. She lives in the country, and she knew all along the roads in southern Minnesota need serious fixing. Her support of the transportation bill, with its gas tax, will benefit District 27A.

I agree with the Albert Lea Tribune that this was the right vote and thanks to Rep Brown our roads and bridges will be better for it.

Also saw that the Albert Lea City Council Recognized District 27A Rep. Robin Brown and state Sen. Dan Sparks for their work done to help bring to pass the needed funding to complete the North Edgewater Park Landfill Project

Thanks Rep. Brown

Gas Hog??

Over the years I have had to scratch my head and wonder what was Sen. Dick Day thinking. Now the Associated Press reported yesterday that State Sen. Day held a new conference at the state capitol to tell of his plans to drive a new 2008 Ford Explorer in parades through out the First District this summer. After looking up what a Ford Explorer gets for gas mileage, it becomes obvious that Senator Day will be doing his part in helping the big oil companies keep raking in those huge profits.

Lets Not Forget

With Memorial Day fast approaching let's not forget to honor our men and woman that have given their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifices are why we enjoy the freedoms we have today.

Memorial Day, was originally called Decoration Day, a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Lets look back at the History of Memorial Day from History.com


Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:


The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.



During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.
This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, Miss.; Macon, Ga.; Richmond, Va.; Boalsburg, Pa.; and Carbondale, Ill.

In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, N.Y., the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.



By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.

Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.

I would like to leave with this poem written in 1915 by Moina Michael

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

Rest In Peace, you have served your country well.

Legislature Finishes on Time

I am glad to see that the 2008 Legislature was was able to finish its work on time.
MPR has a story

So lets take a look at some of what was accomplished for the citizens of 27A

1. Gov. Pawlentys Veto of the Transportation bill was overridden By the House and Senate. By overriding the governor veto we will receive 10 million more in transpiration funding over the next 10 years.
2. The Edgewater Park Dump site received its funding for its cleaned up. work will start this this summer on a holding cell and on the dump site this fall and the project should be completed by next spring.
3. Also in this years bonding bill, Manchester will receive $320,000 to go toward a waste water treatment system planned between Albert Lea and Manchester, Myrtle will also receive money for their project , Riverland Community College in Albert Lea will receive $700,000. Of that $200,000 will go toward the first phase of replacing the heating and air conditioning system, and $500,000 will go toward an air handling unit for the welding lab.
4. Rep. Robin Brown helped craft legislation in school funding that will provide an additional $51 per pupil in 2009. Schools are also offered the flexibility to transfer another $51 per pupil from their capital budget to their general fund to address critical needs
5. Nursing homes will receive an additional 2 percent cost of living adjustment for 2009,
6. Increase in LGA Funding
7. Property Taxes will see a 3.9% levy limit over the next three years, Some may see a tax credit by linking taxes to income.

Here is some of the bills that passes that will affect us. Thanks to Rep. Robin Brown and Sen. Dan Sparks for all of you hard work for the citizens here and keep up the good work

Minimum Wage vetoed

Gov.Tim Pawlenty has turned his back on the working poor by vetoing the minimum wage bill that was passed by the legislature earlier this week . According to MPR

The bill would have raised the lowest hourly wage for workers at large companies by 60 cents to $6.75 in mid-July and another dollar a year later. That's for businesses with annual sales above $625,000. Smaller employers would have to pay at least 50 cents more an hour, or $5.75, starting in July and their minimum wage would go up to $6.75 a year later.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty said his concerns were the size of the boost in relation to the federal minimum wage and the lack of a distinct wage for employees who earn tips.

Governor Pawlenty has received some heat over this veto.
An article in the Mpls Star Tribune stated that Worker advocate groups have criticized the veto, saying they had compromised several times to meet Pawlenty's concerns only to have him reject the bill anyway.

"I don't think a total of $8 a week above the federal minimum wage for the rest of this year or $13 a week over the next year is too much to ask," said Kris Jacobs, director of the JOBS NOW Coalition....


With the high prices for gas and food, and heating cost expected to skyrocket this winter it is a shame the our governor would turn his back on the working poor of this state

Palwnty's Flip Flop

I was checking out the St. Paul Pioneer Press today and saw that Governor Pawlenty is back to his Flip Flopping ways again.

Talks broke down Tuesday evening between DFL legislative leaders and Gov.
Pawlenty on how to fix a nearly $1 billion budget deficit and provide homeowners some much needed property tax relief.

Of course the Governors spokesman Brain McMlung said "Tonight, the DFL walked away from negotiations," but but added that a deal is still possible

So why did the DFL walk away?

Maybe it could be that the Governor is back to playing games.
According to the Mpls Stat Tribune website:

Their was some speculation Monday night that a deal on the budget might be close. But when everyone returned to the table on Tuesday the governor started to move the negotiators further apart.

The Pioneer Press stated that:

The issue that brought the talks to a close, according to a spokesman from the governor's office and legislative leaders, was a $50 million savings Democrats wanted to use from a health care reserve account.

Democrats said they had thought Pawlenty agreed to use that $50 million to help with the state's budget deficit, and they learned only during the talks Tuesday that Pawlenty wouldn't agree to use that money.

"We are concerned at this point that the governor isn't serious. ... There's that goal post, and the governor is moving the goal post," Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, said.

The story goes on to say that shortly after adjourning the House and Senate for the night, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller, DFL-Minneapolis. sent a letter to the governor Pawlenty stating;

"Governor, given how we are close to an agreement, we hope you can find a way to work with us to finalize this budget solution,"...


It looks like the DFL is willing to talk some more but time is in the essence. If all Governor Pawlenty wants to do is flip flop on different item and stall for time in the hopes of delaying the Peoples business from get done on time, then the Legislature needs to take care of business and get their bills to his desk in plenty of time, so that any override votes that need to be taken before Mondays adjournment can be taken.

I also saw this little article on the governor that was amusing

Pawlenty As Veeep???

There seems to be some speculation In the Washington Post and the Mpls Star Tribune that Gov. Tim Pawlenty is at the top of John McCain's short list for his VP running mates. So maybe its time we should look at a few of the things Gov. Pawlenty has done for Minnesota.

Gov Pawlentys on Property Taxes

Their has been an 82% average increase in homeowners' property taxes that's come under Pawlenty's watch and their is a 7.7 percent increase that's forecast for next year

Roads and Bridges

What else need to be said our roads and Bridges are crumbling and it took an override of the Governors veto to get new money into the system. Pawlenty has been asleep at the wheel while our transportation system has fallen apart.

Pawlentys unfair tax cuts

The tax cuts of 1999-2001 produced a fairness gap that favors the rich, and it's growing. The latest calculations say top earners pay about 9 percent of their incomes in state and local taxes, compared with 12.5 percent for middle earners

Pawlenty's JobZ program according to Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal needs fixing

Launched in 2003 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty, JOBZ is an economic development initiative that gives tax breaks to business that move to, or are located in, depressed areas. The report, released Friday, said nearly 7 in 10 businesses that have participated in JOBZ would have expanded by roughly the same amount even without subsidies. The program may have hurt competing businesses that aren't subsidized, the study also found.
JOBZ, which was intended to target parts of Minnesota that are economically distressed, has not been reaching important areas in that category...

So if Gov. Pawlenty has done this much damage to Minnesota, just think what he could do to the Federal government.

Nursing Home Debate

Interesing letters to the editor over the last couple of days in the Abert Lea Tribune First we have Miniorty leader Marty Seifert complaining about the Democrats not wanting to help Nursing homes.

Seifert says that over the past year there has been a lot of talk about how nursing homes and continuing! care facilities need more funding. It appears that talk fell on deaf ears from the Democrats in charge of the Minnesota House and Senate.... Marty also says" We should certainly be able to find some dollars in this fund for those who take care of our senior citizens and vulnerable residents."

So what's the Governors plans?
According to the Mankato Free Press

Pawlenty and the House Republican caucus have time and again vowed to protect nursing homes and services for the elderly from budget cuts, (but in the 2008) the governor’s plan calls for halting expected funding from nursing homes and long-term care services. It does this not by outright cuts — although this is debatable — but by delaying minimal increases in funding that were to take place this year. The governor’s plan delays a 2 percent rate increase for long-term care providers to July 1, 2009. That means starting July of this year, providers will have to change their plans, cut their budgets and services to keep their books in the same shape they would be had they received their expected funding....The bill also cuts another $8 million or so by delaying a new payment formula for a year for nursing homes.
in that delay, nursing facilities will lose between a 1.5 percent and 2.7 percent increase they were scheduled to receive this year

Rep Seifert goes on in his letter says tha "Nursing homes and long-care facilities were short-changed during the 2007 legislative session."

Yes Marty' but not by the Democrats!

In 2003 and 2004 their were no funding increases, While Governor Tim Pawlenty and Republicans controled the Minnesota House, then there was less than 2 percent increases in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Last year (2006)the House Democrats proposed a 3% increase in nursing home funding over each of the next 2 years. But the increase was vetoed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty,So Marty who is standing in the way? In fact according to Rep. Paul Thissen when the governor vetoed the final bill, he listed increased funding for nursing homes as one of the specific reasons for his veto. Mr Thissen also goes on to say that the House Democrats have propsed a 2% cost of living increase for 2009.
Here is Rep. Thissen letter to the Editor

Seifert fails to tell truth on nursing home funding

Marty Seifert is not telling the truth on where Democrats stand on the issue of nursing home funding. While I am reluctant to wade into partisan bickering over who is responsible for the money shortfalls facing some nursing homes in our state, I believe it is important for people to know the facts.Nursing home funding challenges did not happen over night. Over the past five years, when Rep. Seifert’s Republican caucus ran the House, funding for nursing homes stagnated. In fact, in 2004-05, the Legislature provided an increase of one-half of 1 percent. In 2006-07, funding was not restored.Last year, the Minnesota House of Representatives proposal increased nursing home funding by 3 percent over each of the next two years. A more than 6 percent increase over two years would have gone a long way to reversing the Republican reductions of the last five years. In addition, money in the original House bill was dedicated to increasing the funding for those nursing homes whose state payments were less than the costs of providing service. Providing more equity for small town nursing homes was at the heart of the proposal.Unfortunately, the House increase was chopped down by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.In fact, when the governor vetoed the final bill, he listed increased funding for nursing homes as one of the specific reasons for his veto.This year, House Democrats have proposed a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment for every nursing home in the state for 2009. The contrast with the governor could not be clearer, since he recommended cutting funding for long-term-care facilities, and eliminating the rebasing that was passed last session.Adequate funding for our nursing homes is too important to play politics with. Instead of falsely accusing the Democrats of underfunding nursing homes,

Rep. Seifert It's time to quit playing games>

GOP Throws out Journalist

Just saw this on The Up Take It seems that a Up Take’s video volunteer was booted from the Republican First Congressional convention in Albert Lea.

Kyle Potter, a Volunteer Journalist for The Up Take describes what happened to him.

“A few weeks ago, I got the assignment to go there and I emailed and called
the person who was in charge of the event, the chair person for the first
congressional district, and I got no response. So I figured, OK I’ll just go
down there. I’ll talk to someone at the press credential table and we’ll see
what happens. “I went down. I didn’t see any press credential table so I walked in
and I set up my camera. I filmed for awhile and I was told by the
Sergeant-At-Arms that I have to register my camera. I asked him who to do that
with, and he said that he would talk to the person who I emailed originally.
“The Sergeant-At-Arms comes back and says that I was denied access. And I asked
why and he said there wasn’t any reason given. So I had to leave


If you would like to see video of this and other GOP altercations Click Here

Larsen and the NFIB

Who is Erik Larsen and what do we really know about his employer the National Federation of Independent Business?

The Albert Lea Tribune in a article said that Mr. Larsen was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., grew up living in all corners of the United States and even in Europe . He and his family have lived here since the middle 1980's

When asked about politics Mr. Larsen that;

“I’m very happy to meet people,” Larsen said. “That’s what I do all day long, and that’s what I like doing.”

The Albert Lea Tribune article go on to say that:

Though he never has been involved with politics, he has a long interest in the political realm

Really?

So who is the National Federation of Independent Business?

According to MyBUSINESSMAG.com

The National Federation of Independent Business is the leading advocacy
organization representing small and independent businesses

Then The National Federation of Independent Business says on their website that they are

the leading small business association representing small and independent
businesses. A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization

But is the NFIB really a nonpartisan organization?

Not according to CNNMONEY.COM in their article

"Is the NFIB losing its voice?"

CNNMONEY states that:

"the NFIB is a Pro-Republican group that directed 98% of its congressional
campaign contributions during the 2004 election cycle to Republicans."

The Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle) stated that:

the organization is one of the most Republican-leaning associations in the
capital...

they also go on to say that:

" NFIB and the Bush administration do walk hand in hand, because we do see eye to eye," says White House SeniorAdviser Karl Rove, a longtime NFIB member..

Also the NFIB website says that Sen. John McCain is to Keynote the NFIB 2008 National Small-Business Summit.

They don't sound nonpartisan to me.

The Candidate Is???

So the Freeborn County Republicans last night endorsed Erik Larson to run against Rep. Robin Brown for the District 27A House seat. I'm not surprised, I do feel for Andrew Hanson who was the young man who had the courage to stand up and throw his hat into the ring at their Precinct Caucus back in February. This young man in my opinion receive no respect from the Freeborn County Republican party faithful.

As an outsider looking in I don't feel that Tom Price the teacher from Rose Creek never really stood a chance of getting the nomination either. I have to wonder if he was just a token candidate coming from one of the townships of Mower County. Lets face it, a Mower County resident just isn't going to fit in well in the Freeborn County Republicans "Old Pal's Club".

So why was the FC-GOP Endorsing Convention such a hush hush affair? Where was it held? Why is their no pictures in the Albert Lea Tribune or its website? The Freeborn County Republicans website doesn't even mention this convention on its site, which I think is odd. . It make me think that the FC-GOP Party Bosses dictated that Mr. Larsen is their hand pick candidate. I would be surprised if there was more then 10-12 people at there convention.

Compare that to the Senates District 27 DFL endorsing Convention back in March. where there were over 100 delegates in attendance. I am proud to say that every delegate had the opportunity to give their views to our DFL Candidates on the issues that affect us here. Just go to show you who's the party of the common person.

I notice in the Albert Lea Tribune article a quote by Mr. Larsen .

Mr Larsen said:

Now is where the rubber meets the road

I thought it was funny that he would us that term. After reading how House Minority Leader Marty Seifert and Governor Tim Pawlenty feel that Republicans need to always walk in lock step with their views It make me think that Mr Larsen would be the type of representative that will rubber stamp everything that Rep. Seifert and Gov.Pawlenty told him to. Even if it against the interest of the citizens of District 27A.

Marty's Follies

I see Marty Seifert, is back at it again. The House Minority Leader is still throwing a temper tantrum over the transportation bill that was passed.

Marty had initially wanted to run ads filmed at fuel pump TV monitors at gas stations, But Holiday Gas Stations refused to run any political ads from those monitors. But that is not stopping Rep Seifert from wanting to blame the Democrats in the State Capitol for higher gas prices. Mr. Seifert goes on to say

You pay, they pump. Who's to blame for higher gas prices? It's the Democrats in
the State Capitol

Sorry Marty, I'm not buying it.

With Big Oil bringing in 123 billion in record profits last year. I don't think the 2 cents increase will make that much of a difference considering that big oil has raised the price of gas by 51 cents since the bill was passed in February.

In a story on MPR Freshman Rep. Julie Bunn, DFL-Lake Elmo said she understands that some of her constituents may be concerned about higher fuel prices, but she said the gas tax increase will be dedicated to road and bridge construction projects throughout the state. She said her constituents will benefit from accelerated projects like an added lane on I-494, the reconstruction of the Hastings Bridge and other projects through the added funding.

"We are already seeing the benefits for our area of having broken this logjam
and moving us forward on adequately funding transportation in our state," said Dunn.

Rep Robin Brown stated in a press release that:

Freeborn County will receive an additional $10 million over the next ten
years; Mower County will receive an additional $12.3 million. The city of Albert
Lea will receive just over $2 million. This new funding will not only go a long
way toward fixing area roads and bridges, it will also offer relief for property
owners who have been picking up the tab

Other House DFL staffers said it's unfair for Republicans to blame high gas prices on the recently passed gas tax increase. They say the price of a gallon of gas was $2.96 when the transportation bill passed in February. Now, the price of gas is $3.49 a gallon. They said the gas tax increased two cents a gallon on April first, just a small portion of the jump in the price of gas.

One economist agrees with that assessment.

"The day to day politics have got nothing to do with the price of oil being
at $3 or $3.40," said Jerry Fruin with the University of Minnesota's Department
of Applied Economics.
Fruin said global factors are more at play with the
rising costs. He said China and India's increased demand for oil and a slowdown
in oil production are the main reasons for high gas prices.

"We've seen unprecedented demand and a failure to increase supply to
keep up with it," Fruin said.

Remember this legislation will help stimulate the economy by creating over 30 thousand badly needed jobs over the next five years. Better roads, safer bridges and more jobs sound like the right thing to do in these hard economic times.

Minnesota Healthcare Access Fund

While checking my e-mail today I thought this was interesting. Minnesota 20/20 is conducting a poll on the Health Care Access fund.

There is the question:

Minnesota's Health Care Access fund (generated by a care providers tax)
expands affordable coverage for uninsured Minnesotans whenever the fund has a
surplus. Given the state budget deficit, there is debate on how to use the
current surplus.

Here are the choices

1. Maintain current service levels in order to plug the budget
deficit

2. Use the health care access fund surplus as it was intended and
expand affordable coverage to uninsured Minnesotans

If you would like to take part in this poll Click Here.

1st District DFL Convention

It was an exciting day here Saturday in Albert Lea with the unanimous endorsement of Rep Tim Walz for a second term in the United States House of Representatives.

In a press release, State DFL Chair Brian Melendez Says.

“A veteran, a teacher and a family man, Tim Walz is a terrific representative for the people of
southern Minnesota. With years of service to community, state and country, he
knows what it’s like to live the values of responsibility, accountability and
love of country while meeting the challenges of everyday life.
“Walz also knows how to
fight for southern Minnesota, which his extraordinary work on behalf of the
First District in just the last 15 months demonstrates. He has become a national
leader on behalf of our veterans, is working hard to build stronger economy that
supports middle-class prosperity, and is a relentless watchdog for fiscal
responsibility.
“Tim Walz’s independent Minnesota values, hard work and
exemplary service are why southern Minnesotans can do no better than to put him
back to work serving them for another two years. The DFL Party will do its part
to make sure that Walz returns to the job of fighting for Minnesota
first.”

Our friends at the Bluestem Prairie has this news release from First District Chair Lori Sellner

Today, the 1st Congressional District DFL party endorsed Congressman Tim Walz for re-election to
the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Walz was first elected in 2006 and is up for
re-election in 2008.
"Tim Walz is a breath of fresh air in Minnesota
politics," said 1st CD DFL Chair Lori Sellner. "He is one of our neighbors; a local
teacher and veteran who is working to change Washington. He is fighting for
southern Minnesotans everyday. He is fighting for affordable healthcare and a strong
economy. He is fighting to honor America's contract with the men and women who
have risked life and limb in defense of their country. The 1st CD DFL is excited to re-elect
Tim Walz in
2008!"
"I am grateful for the endorsement of the 1st Congressional District DFL," said
Congressman Walz.
"More and more people are joining my grassroots campaign because of the change
we are making in Washington. As a teacher and a veteran, I know the struggles of
middle class families firsthand and I am fighting to reduce the cost of healthcare and strengthen
our economy. Together, we will build the largest grassroots campaign in the
history of southern Minnesota and take our message directly to the people of the
1st Congressional District."

KaalTV6 and the Albert Lea Tibune also has stories.

Rep. Walz 's wife Gwen gave a great introduction of the Congressman and Congressman Walz gave a rousing speech in accepting the nomination.

Erik Who?

Percentage of Nonelderly Americans Without Health Insurance Coverage, 1987-2006

Erik Larsen has decided to run against Rep Robin Brown if he receives the GOP endorsement .Larson said in the Albert Lea Tribune that “My enemy is not Robin Brown, my enemy is the policies and the politics. So his enemy is the policies and the politics. Sounds like he is getting into the wrong business

Regarding health care Mr Larsen said he does not believe that universal health care — a single-payer government-run health care — is the answer he goes on to state "In the United States everyone has access to health care"

Oh really, according to Cover the Uninsured website

Forty-seven million Americans, including more than
9 million children, are living without health care coverage

the website goes on to state

The problem of the uninsured is continuing to
grow. The federal government estimates that 47 million individuals lacked
health insurance coverage of any kind during 2006. Other research shows that
tens of millions more Americans go without health coverage for shorter
periods of time.

Recent Census Bureau data demonstrate that the
problem of the uninsured continued in 2006. According to figures released in
August 2007,


1. 47 million people -- 15.8 percent of the total U.S.
population -- were uninsured in 2006, up slightly from 15.3 percent in the
previous year.

2. The percentage of the non-elderly population that is
uninsured has climbed steadily from 15.9 percent in 1994 to 17.9 percent in 2006
(with a slight dip of no more than one percentage point around the turn of the
century)

Did you also know that

1. Two thirds of the uninsured are low income -
and eight in ten come from families with full or part time workers.

2. Uninsured workers are more likely to work for
small firms such as agriculture, construction and services were employers do not offer affordable coverage if any coverage at all.


It looks like the Freeborn county Republicans new candidate is out of touch.

Levy Limits: A Phony Solution

Gov. Tim Pawlenty is at it again. the Governor is proposing a cap on county and city property taxes instead referred to it as "levy limits"-in a way that will guarantee more county and city budget cuts in the future. So what will happen If the governor has his way? Well we will see reduced police protection, closed libraries, and many more cuts in public services. Minnesota 20/20 has some interesting and factual information

Minnesota 20/20 also has a poll going.

As we've reported before, Minnesota's property taxes have increased by more
than 70 percent in the last six years. This is something that all
Minnesotans agree is a problem that requires a solution.

Click Here to take the poll

Veteran Concerns

We in the 1st district should be proud to have a congressman who works as hard as Rep Tim Walz does today Kttc and the Mpls Star Tribune have stories

Minn. veterans tell House Speaker Pelosi that too many vets fall through cracks in the system

MINNEAPOLIS - Too many Iraq War veterans are slipping through the cracks and aren't getting the benefits they've earned, veterans told U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Monday.
At a panel discussion hosted by U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, D-Minn., Pelosi was told that the Minnesota National Guard has done an excellent job of making sure its troops coming home from Iraq get all the health and education benefits they're entitled to.
But participants said too many veterans from the active duty military services don't get those benefits because they return home alone, and nobody makes sure they check the box on their discharge paperwork saying that they want the information to go to the veterans services offices in their home states.
Luke Weinandt of Mankato said he could have been one of those who fell through the cracks.
"I pretty much stayed in my father-in-law's basement for a few months" after getting out of the Army, he said, having no idea what kind of help was out there.
Weinandt told Pelosi he eventually found out and went back to school, but had to take out student loans to pay his tuition because his GI Bill educational benefit payments kept coming late. Some of his fellow veterans just dropped out because the money didn't come on time, he said.
Michael McLaughlin of Mankato, who served with the Marines in Iraq, told Pelosi he was fortunate that he had a father who was a Vietnam veteran and knew the system.
"A lot of our active duty members are left out," McLaughlin said has he sat next to his father, Tom McLaughlin, who lost a leg in Vietnam. "... Ever since I got in the system it's been world class."
Tom McLaughlin, who's now a Blue Earth County commissioner, choked up a little as he told Pelosi that he never imagined 40 years ago that he'd have a son who would also be a combat veteran.
The elder McLaughlin described how he was fortunate to have a high tech, computerized artificial leg, and held up the small battery that powers it. He said the new leg is a big improvement from the prosthetics of years past.
"We need to see that every veteran who suffers this type of injury, as well as other types of injuries that are severe and life-affecting, have this type of technology," he said.
But he added that he had had problems getting benefits, too. While the Department of Veterans Affairs paid in 1984 to remodel his bathroom with handrails so he could get in and out of the tub, he said the VA refused when he moved again in 2003, telling him he was entitled to that benefit only once.
"Oh, my," Pelosi said, as McLaughlin went on to explain that he had to spend $4,000 in his own money to get the work done.
McLaughlin said that needs to change because chances are that a 20- or 21-year-old amputee veteran probably won't stay in the same house for his or her whole life.
"It's shocking to hear all these years later that you only get that benefit once," Pelosi said.
Ken Delano, of Albert Lea, a former military police officer who was injured on duty, was one of several participants who praised the quality of care they get at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center — once they get there.
But Delano told Pelosi he has to drive 100 miles one way, and the milage reimbursement rate was just recently raised to 28.5 cents per mile. He said the VA needs to add more community-based outpatient medical services so that veterans can get their routine care close to home, saving the long trips to Minneapolis for more serious issues.
The California Democrat said she helped last year to get the milage rate raised after it sat at 11 cents for many years. She said she's working to increase that to the 48.5 cents, the standard set by the Internal Revenue Service.
After touring the VA hospital and meeting some patients and their families, Pelosi told reporters that veterans deserve futures worthy of their sacrifices.
"We will take this message back to Washington and we will act upon it,"

Property tax Relief

Under the Pawlenty Administration local property taxes have went through the roof but now I see that the House democrats have come up with a plan for property tax relief for most Minnesotans here is the story.

House Democrats revive plan for property tax relief

Minnesota Public Radio April 21, 2008

St. Paul, Minn. — Democrats in the Minnesota House have unveiled a plan to provide property tax relief to most homeowners. The revenue-neutral proposal would tie property taxes to homeowners' incomes. That money would be funneled through a new homestead credit refund to those whose property tax burdens are heavier based on their income. Marquart says about 95 percent of homeowners would qualify, but many high-income Minnesotans would be ineligible for a property tax refund. Rep. Paul Marquart, DFL-Dilworth, says property taxpayers who've been feeling the most pain would get the most relief, beginning in 2009. Marquart says the state's budget deficit is no reason to wait on a property tax relief plan. "It's more important than ever in this type of down economic times that we look at a system like this based on an ability to pay, and target those homeowners who need it the most," said Marquart. Since no additional revenue is needed, Marquart says he thinks the plan has a good chance of passing yet this session. The House Taxes Committee will hold hearings on the plan in the coming weeks.

Forum Communications also has a story. We will keep an eye on this bill through the end of the session.

The Pump

I was doing a little surfing on the net today and came across this story on MPR. Seems that the Republican in the Minnesota Legislature are planing to run a campaign blaming the Democrats for the increase in the gas tax. There plan is to buy advertising at locations with gas pump video monitors in an effort to show how upset Minnesotans are.

So I have to wonder:
How many Republicans will be playing to the cameras just to get themselves in these 15 second ads?

We know that the gas price did rise 2 cents on April 1st from the transportation bill go in to effect. Yet the price of gas has went up 27 cents from 3.31.08 price of $3.14 to the average price of regular gas on April 19 of $3.41. So if two cents went for our transportation system where did the other 25 cents a gallon go? You got it, right in the pockets of the Big Oil companies

That right, Exxon Mobil Corp., for one had record profits of $40 billion dollars last year. When you take Exxon Mobile profits and add in the profits of Conoco Phillips, BP America , Chevron and Shell Oil Co, there combined profits were $123 billion dollars in 2007. Yet these same oil company's with huge profit also raking in another $18 billion in government subsidies.

I have to wonder why we hear nothing from House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall about the huge profits of the oil companies? Is it that he is so consumed with the thought of having to pay a few cents extra at the pump for our roads and bridges that the profits of big oil has slipped his mind. or is it that price gouging of consumers is far game in his eyes.

One would think that with one bridge that has collapsed and another that is on the verge of collapse in St. Cloud along with the roads in our state being in poor shape that it was well past time that new monies be invested into our transportation system.

Rep. Seifert If you really want to complain about the high price at the pump, then maybe you should send these clips to the Oil company executive, there the ones raking in the huge profits, and gouging the consumers, or isn't that the Republican way?

JobZ

The Albert Lea Tribune came out in support of a new and improved JobZ program tonight in their editorial page

Down to considering the termination of the JOBZ program.The Job Opportunity Building Zone
program has benefited Freeborn County almost more than any other county in the
state of Minnesota. It is a program that has been especially helpful to out state Minnesota.
Now, some legislators from metropolitan Minnesota want it to end. But the metro
area enjoys many perks by simply being large, but the JOBZ incentive helps even
the economic-development field for regional cities such as Albert Lea,
Worthington or St. Cloud.What perks are their for being large? The biggest is
the population to dominate representation in the Legislature, guiding state
dollars toward metro desires. Others include greater federal assistance dollars
and grants, plus greater human resources all around to go after funding sources.
So what harm is there to the metro area in cutting a break to out state Minnesota?
None.We hope what comes out of the discussion is an enhanced, improved JOBZ program.

Then there was this article on the MPR website on JobZ. Here are some highlights

While the battle over the fate of the JOBZ program continues in the Legislature,
participation in the rural economic development program continues to fall
sharply. In 2007, the number of JOBZ projects went down about one-third from the
year before. So far in 2008, participation is off to its slowest start ever.

Worthington, Minn. — JOBZ is the centerpiece of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's rural economic development program. Businesses adding jobs in certain areas get big breaks on corporate, income, sales and other taxes. In JOBZ's first three years, the tax reductions totaled nearly $46 million.
With incentives like that, JOBZ got off to a fast start. About 120 companies signed up the first year, 2004.
Since then, the number of new projects has fallen an average 26 percent a year. That decline accelerated last year.

"I wouldn't describe the whole outlook as bleak," said Dan McElroy, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, who oversees the program. "But JOBZ needs clarification by the Legislature, and we're working hard to get that."
But right now there's a battle in the Legislature over whether JOBZ will be clarified or canceled. One legislative effort to prop up the program would extend the number of years companies receive tax breaks. Currently, JOBZ benefits are on a sliding scale. Based on JOBZ's 2015 end date, a company signing up this year gets eight years of tax breaks. A business entering the program in 2004 received 12 years of benefits. While some legislators work to revive JOBZ, others want to stop the program. The Senate tax bill contains a provision to end JOBZ. McElroy said some companies are waiting to see what happens in the Legislature before they commit to the program. He said that's part of the reason for a slow 2008. There have been just two JOBZ sign ups so far this year, compared to 17 in the same period last year.

"I'm a little surprised. I hadn't realized it was only two so far," said McElroy. "There are probably 10 more that I know that are in process. But it is not as robust as it would have been in 2006." The slowdown in JOBZ is something Mankato business consultant Ed Tschida has seen first hand. He works mainly with city and county governments on economic development projects, often involving JOBZ. "Certainly, all evidence is that it will continue to decline," said Tschida. "I don't see anything turning that around." Tschida said companies are shying away from the Pawlenty centerpiece for a number of reasons. Some businesses calculate the benefits aren't as rich as expected. Some are concerned that court challenges of JOBZ may prove successful and end the program. Tschida said others complain JOBZ requires them to pay construction wages that are higher than the going rate in the area.

"Having to pay several hundred thousand, or even millions of dollars more, up front was not worth the potential benefit of staying in the program," said Tschida.
Officials with Bedford Technology in Worthington decided against JOBZ for an expansion project when they learned the wage requirement would increase their labor costs 10 percent. Another southwest Minnesota company figured the so-called prevailing wage obligation would increase costs nearly 25 percent. Mankato consultant Ed Tschida said the JOBZ requirements caught some companies by surprise, and their difficulties have slowed participation in the program.
"Businesses that maybe would have rushed into the program a little bit in the past, have found out the program wasn't a good fit. I think maybe we steer some of these businesses away that aren't good fits," said Tschida. "And the cumulative effect of that, I think, has been to see a slowdown in the use of the program."
JOBZ took another blow earlier this year when a Legislative Auditor's report called the program "unfocused." The audit found "significant problems" in administering JOBZ, particularly with the business subsidy agreements. The report said those agreements too often lacked adequate job and wage requirements. As with other JOBZ problems, the Legislative Auditor said it's up to the Legislature to fix the program.

I do see some merit in the JobZ Program in bringing jobs into rural Minnesota. But I would like to know the cost to every taxpayers in freeborn county in bringing these jobZ to our area.

Albert Lea Economic Development Agency Executive Director Dan Dorman attended hearing by the Senate and House Tax Committees on Job Opportunity Building Zone (JOBZ) its interesting to note that Mr. Dorman stated

"Currently in Albert Lea, the JOBZ program has helped create about 600 jobs from a
total of about seven successful projects,

600 hundred job is about the amount of jobs that were lost from the Farmland fire. So I would have to ask are we better off now? Are the wages and benefit packages paid by the company's in the JobZ zones better then what was at the Farmland plant back in 2001?
What I really see is we have a net gain of 0 jobs here. What we have done is replace the Farmland Jobs buy giving 7 company's 8-12 years of free taxes. Or should I say corporate welfare