To the editor:
The 2013-2014 legislative session is barely a few weeks old, yet some people have decided to focus on scoring political points instead of solving our state’s big challenges.
Last Sunday minority leader Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) and Rep. Rod Hamilton (R-Mountain Lake) wrote a divisive letter attacking me over the House agriculture committee structure. For those who wonder why the public has such little faith in elected officials’ ability to work together, look no further.
Taking cheap shots at DFLers and questioning our commitment to rural Minnesota simply because we are now the majority caucus in the House of Representatives is nothing short of disappointing. If we learned anything from this past election, it’s that voters are tired of partisan bickering and petty political games. They want us to find common ground and focus on what’s best for the people of Minnesota—not our respective political parties.
Regardless of my Republican colleagues’ partisan rhetoric, I am committed to solving our state’s big challenges, like creating jobs that pay a good wage and balancing our budget in a way that is fair and responsible.
The budget proposal released this past week by Governor Mark Dayton is very northern Minnesota-friendly. After years of cuts to our schools and local government aid, the Governor’s plan makes smart investments that will keep our communities in northern Minnesota strong. Funding increases in both of these areas will help our kids get a great education and protect critical services that residents rely on like firefighters and police officers.
I’m looking forward to learning more about the Governor’s proposal, but I think he’s given the Legislature a great starting point. As the session continues, I encourage you to share your thoughts, feedback, and ideas with me. You can contact me by phone at (651) 296-4936, by email at rep.tom.anzelc@house.mn, or by postal mail at 517 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Sincerely,
Tom Anzelc
State Representative, District 5B