And now for the 2007 Results

Investments and reform in K-12 and higher education

Along with higher standards and reform, K-12 schools statewide will see an $800 Million total increase over the next two years. The bill provides a significant increase in special education funding, an area that has eaten up many schools’ budgets. Unlike two years ago, none of the new K-12 funding is dependent on property tax increases. This year’s legislation also completely restores early childhood education opportunities to their pre-2003 cut levels. Every education expert will tell you that we save much more money down the road for every dollar we put into early learning for our kids. I was especially pleased with the higher education bill. This bill will begin to get tuition under control.

The energy session

For many, 2007 will also be known as the energy session. I appreciate the bipartisan help in co-authoring and passing a 25% by 2020 renewable energy standard that became law this year. Additionally, through this year’s energy bills, Minnesota is poised to be a leader in bio-fuels research and fighting climate change. Renewable energy is not only good for our natural resources, but it means new jobs and investment in our state. I co-authored this bill that became law, giving Minnesota the strongest Renewable Energy Standard in the United States.

We did pass legislation to change the electric utility tax rate classification which will help stabilize property tax shifts for Red Wing area residents over the next few years. This bill, however, was vetoed by the Governor.

Other Key items passed this year include…

1. •Increased investment in agriculture by 21%.
   

2. •Increased support services for veterans with

   

   increase funding to help our returning military men and women.
   

3. •Statewide ban on smoking in bars and restaurants to protect the health of their patrons and workers.
   

4. •Nursing homes and staff will receive critical funding to help them serve their communities. The increase is 2% for each of the next two years.
   

5. •Minnesota will cover more kids with health insurance. More than 30,000 in the next few years.
   

6. •Help for water cleanup.
   

2008 offers more opportunities

There was some unfinished business. I co-authored a constitutional amendment dedicating funding for the outdoors. a house and Senate conference committee reached a compromise bill but we lacked the time to pass it. However, I’ve been assured that we can take up the bill right away come February. The bill is still on track to be on the November 2008 ballot. The funding will go along way toward cleaning up Lake Pepin, as well as the Cannon, Zumbro, and Mississippi rivers.

Disappointments

I am disappointed that the Governor vetoed a property tax cut package. that plan would have meant permanent property tax relief for more than 90% of Minnesotans and made Minnesota’s tax system fairer.

Personal achievements

1. •I authored and spearheaded the first bill to pass in this session. The bill, (HF 8), provides more than $20 million in tax relief for Minnesotans. The bill  conforms Minnesota tax code to take advantage of recent federal changes.

   

   It was critical to pass the bill as soon as possible. Click here for more details. and here for the Governor’s signature message.
   

2. •Being assigned as vice Chair of the Taxes Committee was quite an honor and a rarity for a freshman legislator.
   

3. •Being appointed by the Speaker of the House to the House and Senate Conference Committee regarding the upcoming constitutional amendment dedicating funding for the outdoors, arts, and clean water was another honor.
   

4. •I was chief author of 8 bills (click for details) and co-author on 62 bills (click for details).