1.  Another Billion Dollars in Debt

2.  Payola Paves the Way for Light Rail

3.  Rep. Kahn Exposed

4.  House DFL Out of Ideas

5.  Snow Storm Causes Government Gridlock

1.  Another Billion Dollars in Debt

With the passage of a billion dollar bonding bill in the Minnesota Senate this week, the legislature moved one step closer to adding another billion dollars of debt to the state’s existing $4.2 billion debt.

Chief author, Senator Keith Langseth (DFL-Glyndon) obviously doesn’t realize the state has run out of money.  He must be ignoring state budget officials that announced the legislature’s drive to get a bonding bill passed early in the session will only add to the state’s looming cash flow shortages, despite the DFL’s worn-out rhetoric that it is a “jobs” bill.

The actions by the senate were fiscally irresponsible and unlike Mrs. Hubbard, Senator Langseth doesn’t recognize that the cupboard is bare.”

To read more click here.

2.  Payola Paves the Way for Light Rail

Last month, the decision to add three stations to the central corridor light rail line became one more example of the “build it at any price” mentality.

Planning for a rail connection between Minneapolis and St. Paul has been in the works for over 20 years. In the early 1990’s, the major debate was over three options for the route. The three options were: University Avenue, the I-94 corridor or the existing rail lines a couple miles north of University Avenue. Each proposed option had its pluses and minuses, but in the end, the University Avenue plan won out.

Once the route was chosen and the design implemented, it would be just a matter of time before trains would rumble down University Avenue -- just like the street cars did in the 1920’s. With any luck on the part of Peter Bell, Chair of the Metropolitan Council, light rail trains will be rolling down the Avenue again by 2014.

The question is, at what price?

To read more click here.

3.  Rep. Kahn Exposed

In a letter mistakenly sent to the North American Bear Foundation, a pro-hunting group, instead of a bear research and education organization in Ely, Rep. Kahn (D-Minneapolis) says she "reluctantly" has made a personal year-end contribution to the North American Bear Foundation and then goes on to scold it for "a recent action they have made."

The “recent action” she referred to was the group’s objection to Rep. Kahn’s charge to broaden the definitions used when distributing revenue from the Wildlife Heritage Fund to justify a wider array of spending than the constitutional amendment otherwise allows. 

While taxpayers voted to spend the funds only to “restore, protect and restore wetlands, prairies, forests and habitat for fish, game and wildlife,” Rep. Kahn and cronies are working hard to see that the money can be used for a number of projects, including  a jobs program, intended to put people to work.

Rep. Kahn’s misaddressed letter not only exposed her bullying tactics but her relentless quest to funnel dedicated money for wildlife to an array of other unintended projects. 

To read more click here.

4.  House DFL Out of Ideas

At a complete loss of how to balance the state’s budget, liberal legislators are turning to taxpayers for answers.  On Monday, DFL State House members announced a hotline where taxpayers are encouraged to call and give their suggestions on how to improve and streamline state government.

To let your opinion be known, call (651) 297-8391 or (800) 551-5520. On the Web, go to: www.house.mn/redesign.

5.   Snow Storm Causes Government Gridlock

A snow storm has done what nobody else could, stop Congress.  Despite all the issues that they are working on, Congress has been shut down by weather, instead of red tape, filibusters and obstruction. They were already scheduled to take off for President's Day week, but now there likely won't be any voting until February 22.  Hooya!

To read more click here.