October 2006: Minnesota is in Great Shape, Let’s Build on the Economic Success

We all know Minnesota is a terrific place to live, work, and raise a family.  We lead the nation in many measures of success.   Let me take a moment to share with you just a few statistics on the state of our state:

• We lead the nation in ACT and SAT scores

• We are number one in the country for the healthiest population and have the highest rate of citizens with health insurance

• We are 2^nd in the country for Fortune 500 companies per capita and 4^th in Fortune 1000 companies per capita

• We are 1^st in the region and 8^th in the country for INC 500 companies per capita (fastest growing private firms)

• We are 1^st in the region and 5^th in the nation for homeownership

• We are the #1 hardest working state in the country with the highest participation rate of working-aged individuals in the labor force (75%)

• We have the highest percentage (92.3%) of residents over 25 with high school diplomas

• We rank 2^nd in the country as the most livable state in 2005.  We have been in the top two since 1996.

• We have a perfect score on the 2006 Development Report Card for the States:  perfect as in development capacity, economic performance, and business vitality

The 2006 legislative session was a success.  We got our job done, and accomplished what we set out to finish. 

One of our most important tasks in the Minnesota legislature is to set the state budget and manage Minnesota’s economy.  Economic success requires fiscal responsibility and smart public policy.  As we evaluate new laws, we look at their economic impact on our state, both in the short and long term.

To encourage economic growth, we held the line on tax increases and encouraged new innovations. 

A few years ago, legislators were faced with an overwhelming budget deficit.  With strong fiscal management, we have now turned that deficit into a surplus.  This surplus enabled the legislature to provide $202 million in tax relief in 2006.  We reduced the Alternative Minimum Tax and eliminated the marriage penalty, both of which provide real tax relief to hard working Minnesotans.

We managed the budget wisely while still making significant investments in Minnesota priorities.  This session we passed a major bonding bill totaling $999.9 million for core investment projects.  By investing in Minnesota’s core infrastructure – roads, higher education, and the environment – we are improving quality of life for our families and ensuring our state’s success in the long-term.

We invested in Minnesota’s environment for future generations and passed a record reduction in mercury emissions. 

We took steps to reform health care in a way that reduces costs for businesses and consumers.  In our complex health system, we must preserve Minnesota’s superior quality of care.  We are working towards real cost saving solutions that empower consumers with information and choices. 

We made a record investment in education to prepare our children for success in an increasingly competitive global workforce.  But investing is not good enough – we must invest wisely.  In addition to providing $800 million in new education dollars this budget cycle, we passed reforms to encourage academic excellence. 

• We reformed the way teachers are paid through the QComp performance pay initiative – this holds schools accountable and rewards teachers for good results.  We should expect nothing less for the sake of our children’s education.
• We are increasing the rigor of high school classes through the Get Ready, Get Credit program.  Initiatives like this will help Minnesota’s students remain globally competitive in an increasingly skilled workforce.
• We provided $15 million in new revenue for early childhood programs.  The key to a child’s K-12 academic success is their development in the pre-kindergarten years, so this funding is another smart investment in education.

The 2006 session was a win for Minnesotans.  We got our job done.  We will continue to make progress as we move forward.

My philosophy has been to stand up for families first and protect the abilities of individuals to make personal decisions.  Minnesota residents need choices in health care and education, good roads, and a government that is not oppressively large.

These are my legislative priorities:

1. Globally competitive education for our children.  We need to make sure that 70% of education dollars are spent in the classroom, where real learning takes place.  We need a Math and Science Academy, as well as new charter schools to accommodate increased demand.
2. Public assistance that helps individuals to become self-sufficient.  Tremendous programs like Summit Academy that assist individuals in building life skills and finding employment should be supported and expanded.
3. Excellence in government.  To encourage innovation and accountability, we should sunset all government programs.  This will require the legislature to continually reevaluate programs in our ever-changing world to ensure we are investing effectively in our priorities.  We also need to make our citizen legislature truly part time with shorter legislative sessions.
4. Transportation that gets the most people where they need to go.  We need transportation designed with the driver in mind, and we need funding for our local roads.  Transportation solutions require a balanced approach and a long term plan.  We must evaluate existing transit plans and make sure the East Metro is part of a 30 year transportation plan.
5. Good stewardship of our environment.  We need to enact a tax rebate program for hazardous materials brought to the dump.

The legislative process is not easy, and making progress on issues that matter is often a difficult endeavor.  Many people tell me they’ve heard about bitter partisanship at the State Capitol.  I want to let you know that the legislature is comprised of many committed individuals who are determined to work on the issues that matter to Minnesotans.  We don’t always agree, but our democratic system values a process where disagreements can ultimately lead to better policy.  Minnesota is in great shape today, and we are going to continue to build on our progress.

- Rep. Karen Klinzing