Jan 30, 2003
Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed banks and his response was , “That’s where the money is.” State Auditor Pat Awada (R) will announce the results of a study on Local Government Aids (LGA) support and spending early next month. We understand there will...
Jan 30, 2003
We are not saying it is easy, but dealing the projected budget shortfall for fiscal year 2004-05 using simple math shows a reduction of a significant portion. Interestingly enough the reasons for a large part of the deficit are the changes in tax law last legislative...
Jan 29, 2003
Interestingly enough Rep. Eric Lipman (R-56A, Lake Elmo) is sponsoring a “Learning Lunch” on Wednesday, January 29th in room 500 South of the State Office Building from 12:00 to 12:30 PM on Tort Reform. He is promoting the seminar with a slogan Come and...
Jan 28, 2003
The DFL Education Foundation heads down a perilous path. They are holding three seminars in the next three months focused on DFL political opportunities in the suburbs. It is our understanding this is a 501C3 nonprofit organization and if they engage in partisan...
Jan 28, 2003
In Maple Grove District 32B, the DFL may actually have a candidate able to make in roads. Mick Ganley is the past President of the Minneapolis Police Officers Federation. As a cop Ganley is a good fit for the district. The past State Senator is Pat McGowan the current...
Jan 28, 2003
We are watching with great interest the Special Elections in Burnsville, Stillwater and Maple Grove. These are three suburban districts, which many expect the DFL to perform poorly. If as we expect there is an election in Bloomington this will be a focus as well....
Jan 28, 2003
Lobbyists are frequently commenting on the lack of sophistication in the House with the new freshmen members. Unlike the belief “There are no stupid questions,” people in the business of educating legislators on issues feel they have their work cut out for...
Jan 28, 2003
We understand one of the new arguments for the Cover All Kids program will be a calculation of social costs. The cost per person is $189.36 for 2003. This translates into one new electronic device for a resident in Eagan rather than healthcare coverage for a child in...
Jan 28, 2003
We saw Twins President Jerry Bell in the hallway and asked him if he remained optimistic about a Twins Stadium. He said, No, they have no money.” We asked him if he was seeking local bonding authority and he said, “Yes.” He confided he wanted it to...
Jan 28, 2003
If Rep. Mary Liz Holberg (R-36A, Lakeville) becomes the Chair of the Civil Law Committee people with an interest in Tort Reform should take notice. We believe she is willing to reengage in the discussion and may even move a bill. There are many discussions in the...
