Accessibility menu
State Representative Paul Anderson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4317
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
NEWS COLUMN
Questions remain after adjournment
By State Rep. Paul Anderson
As the dust settles from the legislative session that wrapped up May 18, many questions remain. Most have to do with how Gov. Pawlenty will make his unallotment cuts. We have been assured that he is conferring with all his department heads and is taking advice from both sides of the aisle.
One potential compromise making the rounds on the final days of the session had to do with gambling. What brought the idea to the forefront was a Twin Cities television station poll that showed overwhelming support – upwards of 79 percent – for some kind of gambling revenue to help the state out of its financial situation.
The concept had to do with pull-tabs, which we already have in this state, being converted to an electronic form. Those favoring this method argued that this wasn't an expansion of gambling, just a change in the format. Up to five electronic terminals would be allowed in each establishment that already had pull-tabs.
It was estimated this proposal could bring an additional $500 million into the state treasury. Another part of the compromise had the Legislature going along with a scaled-down version of the Governor's proposal to sell tobacco bonds. Combined, these two sources would bring in about $1 billion, which is the same total as the first Democratic tax proposal vetoed by the Governor.
The electronic pull-tab issue was brought up as an amendment to another bill on the House floor during the final days of session. It was narrowly defeated on a procedural vote relating to whether or not it was germane to the bill it was being attached to. When it was voted “not germane,” the provision was killed and we never did vote on the amendment itself.
One other method of gambling that had limited support was allowing a “Racino” at Canterbury Downs. The horse industry in Minnesota has fallen on hard times, and it was suggested that allowing more gambling at the track would also stimulate the racing industry and allow them to offer larger purses and attract more horses.
In the end, neither concept came close to being passed. It’s my opinion, however, that the electronic pull-tab proposal will come up again next year and it’ll get another look.
Many are concerned about the line item veto used by the Governor to scale back the General Assistance Medical Care program. Keep in mind that the veto is for the second year of the biennium so the cut will not take effect until 2010. This gives the Legislature another year to make changes that could bring the program back.
The GAMC program was growing at an unsustainable rate of 35 percent, and it’s estimated that upwards of three-quarters of current GAMC recipients would be eligible for MinnesotaCare, meaning that not as many would lose benefits as earlier predicted.
The annual Stearns County Breakfast on the Farm is scheduled for Saturday, June 6. It will be held from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Jeron and Brenda Nathe family dairy near Melrose. In addition to breakfast being served, other events include agriculture booths, children’s activities, a petting zoo, tours of the dairy operation, and an appearance by Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Those attending can park at the American Legion south of the freeway in Melrose and take a free shuttle bus out to the dairy farm.
--30--
Rep. Anderson encourages constituents to contact his new office with input regarding any state legislative issue. He can be reached on the web at www.house.mn/13A and via email at rep.paul.anderson@house.mn. To contact Anderson by phone, call (651) 296-4317. Mail can be sent to Rep. Paul Anderson, 239 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.
News Items
- ANDERSON TAKES HOUSE OATH - (Posted: Jan 8 2013 12:00AM)
- Legislative begins this week - (Posted: Jan 11 2013 3:36PM)
- Current surplus allows K-12 repayment - (Posted: Dec 10 2012 12:00AM)
- Archived News Items
- Subscribe to RSS News Feeds
- Read more about RSS.