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 In fact, if you repealed the taxes, you wouldn’t get an extra low price.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.