Apr 5, 2011
Next week the Senate Commerce Committee will hear a bevy of bills intended to change our states’ No-Fault Insurance System. We know of six bills coming before the Commerce Committee which are intended to change the system and a few are backed by the Insurance...
Apr 5, 2011
In 2010, the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association (MLBA) actively encouraged its members to support Republican candidates for legislative office. They along with other groups looked forward to new legislative majorities. The problem is their industry is completely...
Apr 5, 2011
We have it on good authority, the various administrative departments are preparing for a government shutdown on July 1st. Once the size and scope of the shutdown are known people will clearly understand its impact on their daily lives. In order to implement a...
Apr 5, 2011
When people are looking for a reference point for a government shutdown, eyes turn to 2005, but there will be a dramatic difference between then and 2011. 2005 was a partial government shutdown, and because Governor Mark Dayton (DFL-MN) has called for an entire budget...
Apr 5, 2011
A federal government shutdown will affect Minnesota in many ways and highlight for everyone the daily attachments to Washington, DC. If the feds fail to reach a compromise on the budget then the potential for a government shutdown here in Minnesota is up in the air....
Mar 31, 2011
Right now the legislature is focused on budget issues, but we expect politics will start to break out after the Easter/Passover break. We have been asking about what a Congressional District Map will look like from the Republican Majorities. The best we have heard is...
Mar 31, 2011
Our story from last week entitled Seeking Sage Voices discussed former Management and Budget Commissioner Tom Hanson’s thoughts on current budget negotiations. He suggested the two houses meet in Conference Committees on the various bills and stated this as the best...
Mar 31, 2011
We continue to believe, in spite of all claims to the contrary, Minnesota is headed toward a government shutdown. It is our contention, the Republican legislative majorities are willing to stand firm on their position against any additional revenues for state...
Mar 29, 2011
The Special Election to fill the seat vacancy of Sen Ellen Anderson (DFL-66, St. Paul) after her appointment by Governor Mark Dayton (DFL) to Chair the Public Utilities Commission results in a return to the state legislature by former Rep Mary Jo McGuire (DFL-Falcon...
Mar 28, 2011
Anyone with the slightest amount of military background knows the United States Government’s procurement system, which seeks the lowest bidder for government contracts, is not one our nation should employ in every instance. Sometimes, our national security interests...
