State Politics

This November, voters across Minnesota will face the choice of whether to increase the state sales tax and constitutionally dedicate that extra money toward the arts, clean water and wildlife habitat.

It’s the culmination of a statewide effort that began 10 years ago. Here’s the 10-minute version of what it means to you.

The vote
Voters will be asked if they approve raising the state sales tax, beginning July 1, 2009, by three-eighths of one percent. The increase will stay in effect until 2034.

State Sen. Steve Dille, R-Dassel, will chair the Farmland and Open Space Preservation Task Force, a group of leaders seeking ways to preserve and protect farmland and open spaces in Minnesota.

The group was established with the passing of a land use bill Dille sponsored earlier this year. Its members include:
• State Sen. Jim Vickerman, D-Tracy,
• State Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Grove City,
• Rep. Larry Hosch, D-St. Joseph,
• Craig Johnson, League of Minnesota Cities,
• Annalee Garletz, Association of Minnesota Counties, and
• Kent Sulem, Minnesota Association of Townships.

On Saturday, Sept. 6, Franni Franken made a personal appearance at the new McLeod County DFL office on Main Street in downtown Hutchinson. The crowd filled the small space and overflowed onto the sidewalk.

Franni was on the stump for her husband, Al Franken, who is running as the Democratic candidate for the United States Senate representing Minnesota. He is challenging incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman.
According to Paul Wright, chairman of the 7th Congressional District’s DFL Party, it’s been at least 30 years since the Democrats had an office on Main Street.

This fall will find Republican State Rep. Ron Shimanski working his proverbial tail off. It’s not just election season: It’s apple picking time.

Shimanski, who owns and operates an orchard northwest of Silver Lake, has been doorknocking close to home, but has avoided hitting Hutchinson until after the primary election. With a full slate of City Council and County Board candidates pounding the pavement prior to the Sept. 9 vote, Shimanski doesn’t want his message to get lost in the din.

For much of his life, Eric Angvall of Lester Prairie has voted Republican. But this November, he’s challenging incumbent House District 18A Rep. Ron Shimanski under the DFL banner.

Angvall believes Shimanski is motivated by good intentions, but thinks the Republican Party has become too narrow in its thinking.

“They’re so tied up in ideology, they don’t see the whole picture,” he said. “They think investing in anything that they have is a bad thing ...”

It just became easier for busy financial, business and development professionals to forward their ideas to The Governor’s 21st Century Tax Reform Commission.

The commission in now accepting input by email at taxreformfeedback@state.mn.us. Public testimony is also welcome at all meetings of the commission, which will deliver its final report and revenue-neutral recommendations to Gov. Tim Pawlenty by Dec. 1.

The following is a listing of selected new laws passed during the 2008 legislative session that take effect Aug. 1, 2008. A complete summary of all laws passed by the 2008 Legislature will soon be available online from House Public Information Services. Go to the house site.

CONSUMERS
Truth in Music Advertising Act
Performing groups wanting to be something they’re not could find themselves in trouble.

WILLMAR — Members of the public, transportation stakeholders, local government officials and others are invited to discuss the updated state's long-range transportation plan.

Officials from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, including Commissioner Tom Sorel, Deputy Commissioner Khani Sahebjam and District Engineer Dave Trooien, will present the update to the state's 20-year transportation plan from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at Kandiyohi County Health & Human Services, 2200 23rd St. N.E., Willmar.

The following is a listing of selected new laws passed during the 2008 legislative session that take effect July 1, 2008. A complete summary of all laws passed by the 2008 Legislature will soon be available online from House Public Information Services. Go to the house site.

AGRICULTURE
Policy provisions
Provisions taking effect in the omnibus agriculture and veterans affairs policy law, sponsored by Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar) and Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy), include:

ST. PAUL — Minnesota employers added 1,700 jobs in May, according to figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The state remained ahead of the U.S. pace for employment growth in the past year, expanding by 0.3 percent or 7,170 jobs since May 2007. The U.S. over-the-year growth rate was 0.1 percent during that period.