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From SD-45's Derek Brigham, posted at FreedomDogs:
At the MNGOP State Central meeting April 16, a fired up delegation was positive about the leadership in general, but I heard a fair amount of criticism as I talked with some delegates about how they would like to see more cuts to spending, faster movement on Voter ID, fast tracked business friendly legislation, tax cuts, and so on. Of course, that's why we're here as conservatives—to decrease the size of government. Some of the tough love was directed at the House, some at the Senate, and it goes without saying what is thought about the Governor.
On April 19, the MN SRC released this Top Ten list of what they have accomplished in the 3.5 months since they have taken the majority. It includes the subtitle For the 2011 Legislative Session (So Far) . Even though I want more, I am thankful for them, and realize NONE of these would have happened under DFL run houses.
- Senate Republicans have: Blocked multiple attempts by Democrats to increase Minnesotans’ taxes by
$3 billion already this year. (This figure will continue to grow this session.)
- And passed legislation that will: Give direct tax relief to homeowners & make Minnesota more business friendly by phasing out the statewide business property tax.
- Restore principles of limited government & reduce the footprint of state government, and will not raise even $1 in income, sales, corporate or property taxes.
- Cut the state government workforce 15 percent by 2015 & freeze state employee wages.
- Cut the budget for constitutional officers & the Legislature. We’ve also cut the number of committees by 1/3, cut legislators’ per diem & ended out-of state travel reimbursements.
- Limit the reach of Obamacare in Minnesota.
- Eliminate state-funded Medical Assistance for legal “non-citizens.”
- Freeze salaries for teachers & school district employees so districts to save jobs & programs & restore reserves.
- Reform teacher pay & tenure by limiting tenure renewal to five-year blocks subject to standards & waive last-in, first-out requirements; & requiring half of teacher salary increases to be based on measurable standards & student achievement gains.
- Return security & integrity to Minnesota elections by requiring photo ID.
Are bigger things coming up from the MN GOP, or rather, are smaller things for MN government ahead? Yes, and it was to be announced today but was postponed until Monday the 25th due to weather. They were going to have a statewide announcement tour to promote their complete solution to the state budget deficit. Here is the schedule now that it has been adjusted:
Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch (R-Buffalo), Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove), Deputy Majority Leader Geoff Michel (R-Edina) and House Majority Leader Matt Dean (R-Dellwood) will host media availabilities at eight stops throughout the state. The legislators will begin in St. Paul and travel to Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Bemidji, Alexandria and Duluth.
Monday, April 25
St. Paul
7:30 am
Holman Field Airport
Conference Room, Signature Flight Support
515 Eaton Street, Saint Paul
Rochester
8:45 am
Rochester International Airport
Conference Room, Signature Flight Support
7300 Brataas Drive Southwest, Rochester
Mankato
10:15 am
Mankato Regional Airport
Lobby, North Star Aviation
3030 Airport Road North, Mankato
St. Cloud
11:45 am
St. Cloud Regional Airport
Lobby, St. Cloud Aviation
1544 45th Ave, St. Cloud
Moorhead
1:30 pm
Moorhead Municipal Airport
Lobby, Main Terminal
3309 70th Street, Glendon
Bemidji
3:00 pm
Bemidji Regional Airport
Conference Room, Main Terminal
3824 Moberg Dr. NW, Bemidji
Alexandria
4:40 pm
Alexandria Airport [Chandler Field]
Main Lobby
2604 Aga Drive, Alexandria
Duluth
6:30 pm
Duluth International Airport
Skyline Room, Main Terminal
4701 Airport Drive, Duluth
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