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State Representative Linda Slocum
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7158
For more information contact: Charlene Briner 651-296-5809
GUEST COLUMN
Minnesota’s Challenges Require Us to Stand Together
Before you know it, we will be toasting 2010. For many of us, the New Year can’t come soon enough.
2009 was a tough year for Minnesotans. Some spent their time scouring the classified ads in search of a job. Others watched foreclosure signs spring up in houses next door or struggled with rising health care costs. In early December, Minnesotans were dealt another blow when we learned the current recession continues to contribute to an ongoing and growing budget deficit that’s projected to be $1.2 billion dollars next year and $5.4 billion in the two years after that.
The chief reason for our continued budget struggles is that too many Minnesotans are out of work or earning less, meaning the state is collecting less revenue. With a deficit of this magnitude, it will be a challenge to protect the things Minnesotans care so much about. As I talk to residents across the district, I hear real concern about where our state is headed. People choose to live here for a reason - good schools, affordable health care and childcare, and a rich outdoor heritage – and they’re troubled to see the things they value in jeopardy, not just in Richfield and Bloomington, but across the state.
Our recovery won’t be easy and it won’t be quick, and clearly, it won’t come without sacrifice. As your legislator, I’m prepared to make some difficult decisions in the months ahead and committed to do everything to help get Minnesotans back to work. Please remember my door is always open and I’m here to listen to your best ideas.
As a member of the House Jobs Task Force, I’ve been working throughout the interim on ways to help jump start Minnesota’s job market. Like you, I know that government can’t wave a magic wand to make the recession magically disappear. But there are things we can do to begin pushing our economy back in the right direction. Our state economist has told us that targeted federal recovery efforts and last year’s state bonding bill helped prevent this recession from becoming a full-scale depression, saving or creating thousands of Minnesota jobs. To maintain that momentum, we must pass another jobs-focused bonding bill, the earlier in the session the better.
It’s equally important to continue work on creating a better climate for small business development. Finally, we must get serious about reforming the way we do the business of state government or face the reality that perpetual budget deficits will hamper our ability to compete and could permanently alter our quality of life.
At the end of the day, I still believe there is more that binds us together than sets us apart. Our shared ideals, regardless of political views, give me hope that we’ll emerge from this recession stronger than ever. Minnesotans are no strangers to challenge. Our parents and grandparents met some of history’s greatest difficulties with courage, selflessness, and gratitude. That’s why I believe, despite today’s serious obstacles, we will recover.
In this time of uncertainty it’s especially important to focus on what’s truly important – family, friends and the blessings we enjoy despite our challenges. On a personal note, thank you for allowing me to be a voice for our community and for your family. It is an honor to represent you in the Legislature.
Sincerely,
Linda Slocum
State Representative, District 63B
News Items
- The Minnesota Legislature: Gridlock and Misplaced Priorities - (Posted: 2012-05-31 00:00:00)
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- AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY DAY AT THE CAPITOL - (Posted: 2012-03-29 00:00:00)
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