Accessibility menu
State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
Column/LTE
LISTENING TO OUR PAST TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE
Carl Sagan is famous for saying, “You have to know the past to understand the present." And while the state budget isn’t rocket science, that lesson certainly applies as we continue working to resolve Minnesota’s ongoing fiscal and economic challenges.
Earlier this year our economy fell into a tailspin. Since then, more than 120,000 Minnesotans have lost their jobs, countless businesses have shut their doors, and the state last spring faced a record budget deficit. Legislators worked during the last legislative session to make deep, targeted cuts and needed reforms that saved the state millions. We passed efforts to create jobs and spur economic growth.
The recession is beginning to slow, and Minnesota is on the gradual course to recovery.
Still, state budget experts are predicting another large deficit in the next biennium exacerbated by the lagging effect of the ongoing economic recession. But the economy isn’t the only thing to blame for a still shaky state budget. For decades state leaders have been putting the problem off, patching the budget with short-term solutions. And now, the smattering of glue that held our budget together has come undone.
Now a comprehensive restructuring of our state budget is absolutely critical. We must address long-term challenges with long-term solutions – solutions that carry out a greater vision for a stronger, more prosperous Minnesota. But lawmakers can’t do that work alone. Business leaders, economic experts, and citizens; all Minnesotans must contribute with new ideas to secure a swift and sound economic recovery.
No one understands the fiscal and economic problems Minnesota is facing now, or the difficulty that comes with trying to resolve them, than past Minnesota leaders. That’s why over the last two years House and Senate have been proactive in bringing former Governors and legislative leaders to the table to weigh in.
Former Governor Arne Carlson – who has displayed a great deal of courage and insight during his entire public and private career – spoke to lawmakers before the session began last year. His input offered needed perspective on how to address some of the state’s most difficult challenges. Governors Carlson, Quie, and Anderson spoke to the full House and Senate at the annual Humphrey Institute legislative leadership training last February.
Most recently a bipartisan group of former state leaders including Governors Carlson, Quie, and Anderson as well as former House Speaker Dee Long and former Senate Majority Leaders Dean Johnson and Roger Moe, provided advice and guidance to sitting legislators at an historic Leadership Summit. That meeting focused in particular on the budget itself – how we got here, and where we need to go next to put Minnesota in a position of strength and economic growth.
These leaders are to be commended for putting the wellbeing of Minnesotans ahead of petty partisanship. Rather than fading into retirement, they have been proactive in seeking solutions for the state’s best interest. They have been willing when asked to provide insights, suggestions and reflections in order to assist current leaders of both bodies in moving Minnesota into a new generation of prosperity.
If more elected officials were willing to work together to create real solutions instead of pulling apart along strictly partisan lines, Minnesotans would be better served. These leaders are role models for all who hold public office. They are concerned about our future and fearless in their objective assessment of the facts. They talk straight, look for real solutions, and have worked across party lines.
Recently Arne Carlson has been taken to task for working with legislative leaders. I hope he is not discouraged by a few mean-spirited partisan detractors. The input and partnership of Governor Carlson and others has been invaluable as we wrestle with some of the most difficult challenges Minnesota has faced in a generation. I am hopeful they will continue to offer advice and support as we navigate these difficult economic times.
And also, more than ever, I strongly encourage all Minnesotans – from all professions and walks of life – to weigh in, offer your insights, and work together to make our state an even better place to live. Please contact me with your questions, concerns, and suggestions. As always, I look forward to hearing from you as we join efforts to seek responsible solutions.
Kim Norton
State Representative
District 29B
(651) 296-9249
rep.kim.norton@house.mn
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- It’s Time for Legislature to Get Back to Basics, Balance the Budget Honestly - (Posted: 2012-12-11 00:00:00)
- Second Saturday Coffee Meeting Date Changed to December 9 - (Posted: 2012-12-03 00:00:00)
- Archived News Items
- Subscribe to RSS News Feeds
- Read more about RSS.