State Representative Irv Anderson
Irv Anderson

ear Friends,

The Legislature is now getting ready to work on the state's budget for the coming two years. Unfortunately, it appears that our state budget surplus has shrunk by a significant amount due to a weakening economy. Even so, I will continue to fight for education funding and the local projects important to our area. I hope you'll continue to send me your comments on and questions as important issues come before the House.

Sincerely,

IRV ANDERSON

How to reach Irv

Capitol: 343 State Office Bldg., St. Paul, MN 55155 (651) 296-4936

Home: 909 13^th St., Intl. Falls, MN 56649 (218) 283-2416

E-Mail: rep.irv.anderson@house.leg.state.mn.us

Budget surplus shrinks by $618 million

Anderson says 'fix the roof while the sun is still shining'

With news that Minnesota's budget surplus has shrunk by $67 million for this year and $551 million for 2002-03, it is more important than ever for the Legislature to balance tax cuts and investments, Rep. Anderson said.

"I've always believed we need to 'fix the roof while the sun is shining' and make investments in schools, infrastructure, technology and other areas while we have the resources," Anderson said. "This forecast shows us rain clouds are gathering."

The shrinking surplus will force both Gov. Ventura and House Republican Speaker Steve Sviggum to make their priorities clear, he added.

"It seems like both the Governor and the Speaker want to have things both ways - they claim to support education, and they claim to support tax cuts, but they can't admit that the budget can't sustain both, especially now that the surplus is down," he said.

House DFLers, in their "RIGHT PATH" agenda, called for both significant new investment in education and moderate property and sales tax cuts. "Democrats will support targeted tax cuts, along with a rebate," he said. "But as resources shrink, it's more important than ever to take a balanced approach and not abandon our commitment to education and other family needs."

Governor's budget cuts aid to cities, under-funds schools

Northland cities and schools take a multi-million-dollar hit in the budget proposed by Gov. Jesse Ventura, according to figures obtained by Rep. Anderson.

"The Governor's budget makes a lot of changes that affect local property taxes, and these elements could put a serious dent in the budgets of our schools and cities but without actually making much difference in the total property tax bill you receive," Anderson said.

Strangely, a few cities do better under the Governor's plan, including Mizpah. "The proposal very obviously has some unpredictable results," he said.

City Actual Dollar Loss Per Resident

International Falls -$365,000 -$48

Big Falls -$6,000 -$18

Bigfork -$16,000 -$42

Cohasset -$61,000 -$25

Deer River -$32,000 -$37

Effie -$49,000 -$424 (highest in state)

Littlefork -$14,000 -$16

Mizpah $211 gain $2 gain

Northome -$6,500 -$23

Ranier -$2,200 -$12

Squaw Lake -$562 -$4

Zemple -$1,000 -$13

Source: Non-partisan House Research Department

Schools in the area are also being starved under the Governor's education funding plan. International Falls District 361 gets no increase whatsoever.

Anderson noted that the Governor's proposal to have the state assume most school funding costs now on property tax levies does not actually increase the resources available to local schools.

"When the Governor says he's not cutting education, he doesn't factor in 3% to 4% inflation that's going to occur," he said. "This is a real step backward for the quality of education, no matter how he tries to paint it.."

School District - # Funding Increase

Kelliher-36 1.3%

Greenway-316 1.2%

Deer River-317 0.4%

Grand Rapids-318 0.9%

Nashwauk-Keewatin-319 0.1%

International Falls-361 0.0%

Littlefork-Big Falls-362 2.1%

South Koochiching-363 1.9%

Lake of The Woods-390 1.1%

Hibbing-701 0.0%

Nett Lake-707 0.1%

St. Louis County-2142 1.0%

Source: Dept. of Children, Families & Learning

Bill proposes moving DNR offices

Rep. Anderson has introduced a bill requiring the Ventura Administration to study and report on the feasibility of moving the DNR Forestry Division to International Falls. "Locating this office closer to where it's main responsibilities lie will make it more responsive to the communities affected by forestry policies," he said. "There aren't many trees in St. Paul."

Anderson protests ban on radar run

Rep. Anderson recently expressed dismay with the decision by Voyageurs National Park Supt. Barbara West to prohibit snowmobile races on Kabetogema Lake. "This sudden announcement by Supt. West, and her apparent unwillingness to seek a reasonable compromise with the Kabetogema Snowmobile Club and resort owners, is just a continuation of her lack of concern for or interest in the people who live around Voyageurs," Anderson said.

Cold-weather test center sought

Rep. Anderson has re-introduced legislation to establish a regional cold-weather testing center in Koochiching County. His legislation would have the state provide $3.5 million for build and equip the center, to be matched by local or private funding.

Bill funds new international bridge

A bill providing a state bond issue to design and build a new international road bridge at International Falls has been introduced by Rep. Anderson. The measure will be considered for inclusion in the state bonding bill to be passed in 2002.

Bill allows two-way snowmobiling

Another new bill by Rep. Anderson would allow two-way operation of snowmobiles on road shoulders after dark. Current law requires snowmobilers to keep right, moving in the direction of traffic. Anderson's bill gives MnDOT authority to designate two-way routes in areas deemed safe.