Thursday, March 28, 2024

Our ‘to do’ list for the State Legislature

Minnesota’s State Legislature is schedule to begin the new session, today, Thursday.

As always, it will prove to be an interesting session and if the past is indicative of the present, the big decisions will not be made until the final days of the session which must conclude in May.

A factor that may complicate things this year is that because of redistricting, retirements and other factors, about 30 percent of the members are new to their jobs. That is a high turnover rate.

But there are things that we, as the citizens of the state, have a right to expect our legislators to accomplish.

We want them to be diligent in doing their job. That means knowing what they are voting on. There are at least two sides two every issue, and if we are honest, probably several more. We are not asking for total agreement. But we do expect that legislators will have read and studied each bill that comes before and make their decisions on what they really believe to be in the best interest of the state’s residents.

One issue that will be coming before the legislature again this year is the sale of THC and probably the legalization of marijuana. A bill was passed last session that allowed the sale of THC and after it went in to effect it became apparent there were issues that were not addressed regarding enforcement.

Strange as it seems, some even admitted they didn’t really know what the bill said.

Another issue we expect legislators to address is the budget surplus. Minnesota has a surplus and it is a big one.

There are many things the state could do with that surplus and we are not about to say we know exactly what to do with it. But again, please consider all the options.

Yes, all taxpayers would like and deserve some tax relief. And we agree Social Security should not be taxed.

But beyond that, there are many other issues. Education is one of them. The COVID pandemic did indeed impact student learning and test scores, but there were problems with student achievement even before schools shut down.

It would seem a large surplus such as we have now would be a good opportunity to really study what the problems are and work on solutions. If these solutions require more money, we have it available.

Infrastructure is another issue that is always a topic. After all, we Minnesotans love to complain about potholes. But maybe this is a time to look at improving our infrastructure. After all how many I-35 bridge collapse are out there, just waiting to happen. And while we are at it, let’s also look at those infrastructure issues that need to be dealt with if we are to meet the challenges of climate change.

These are just a few of the things we want our legislators to consider.

No one has all the answers but let’s look at solutions in a rational way rather than just following what we think “our side” wants.

And while we are at it, let’s put some of that surplus away for the rainy day, that always comes.

 

 

Dodge County Independent

Dodge County Independent
Dodge County ADvantage
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Plaza 57 • Suite 200
Kasson, MN 55944

Dodge County Printing
301 S. Mantorville Ave.
Plaza 57 • Suite 200
Kasson, MN 55944

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