Recent Posts

Governor

Who is Jeff Johnson?

by Eric Ferguson on May 7, 2013

Hennepin County commissioner Jeff JohnsonWho is Jeff Johnson? From his Q&A with Minn Post, he seems to be a basic doctrinaire conservative who holds the positions conservatives have held for decades, experience notwithstanding. He refers to himself as a mainstream conservative, which is the same thing. He showed that doctrinaire side when he said some rotten things about the people participating in Occupy MN. Whatever anyone thinks of the Occupy movement, this much should bother you: on the first day, when they were just arriving, Johnson wasn’t there. He was speaking at a Republican event, so he had no idea who was showing up or who they were. There was at that point nothing to be judged, yet he said, “Because of you, I don’t have to spend my Friday afternoon with 1,000 or so clueless, obnoxious and frankly, very messy anarchists or socialists … or whatever they call themselves. Instead, I get to spend my Friday with 1,000 or so patriots.”
 
Since some time has passed, let me remind readers that the Occupy MN protest happened at the plaza in front of the Hennepin County Government Center, where Johnson works. He was absent the first day. He could have waited until he went back to work and saw the protesters before commenting. He could have asked them why they were there like I did. He could have asked them what they call themselves. Instead he used the dismissive phrase, “whatever they call themselves”, which is a phrase used to say people are so far beneath you, that you don’t even have to accord them the basic respect of finding out anything about them before running them down.
 
…READ MORE

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmail

{ 0 comments }

A Preview Of A GOP 2014 Lit Piece

by TwoPuttTommy on April 24, 2013

250px-Veterans_Home_08I wrote a Community Voices story over at Twin Cities Daily Planet – “Governor’s Office, Legislature at odds over funding for Veterans Home” – because I’m a recipient of a Media Skills Fellowship and I’ll be covering veterans issues. From it:

Long story short: the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis used to be a pit. Among the Home’s campus were old buildings that had not been well maintained along with others that even had they been properly maintained were obsolete anyway. And, a dangerous one. In addition to the deferred maintenance there were problems with care to the point that patients had died. So a plan was put in place, and the turn around began.

Bottom line? There’s a 3 phase plan; phase 1 has been completed. Phase 2 has been funded, but cannot commence until Phase 3 has been funded. So this project to fix a major problem is on hold, because for some reason, the leadership hasn’t figured out what Governor Dayton’s office has: not only is it the right thing to do, it’s political suicide to do the wrong thing and NOT fund it. Right now, in the veteran community, Dayton is a hero. House and Senate leadership? Not so much, to put it mildly….

Here’s a quote from a GOPer on this very subject:

“We started renovation of the Minneapolis home back in 2009,” said Rep. Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake). “Are we really doing what we should be doing for our men and women who have served our country? I really feel that the perception out there that we’re not. We’re putting money into museums, state trails, sculpture gardens, nature centers and so forth. I think our men and women that have served our country over the years really deserve better. … I think we should be looking at finishing that project in Minneapolis and then going forward with some of these other concepts.”

Does anyone really think that if the DFL-led House and Senate pass a bonding bill without funding a project that’s already started that Democrats across the state won’t be seeing lit pieces based on that above quote hitting mail boxes in their districts?

This is an unforced error. And that’s becoming a pattern; just last week The Big E wrote about this one: “First raise the minimum wage”.

Any bets the GOP 2014 Lit Piece on not funding the veterans home will include that one, too?

The House and the Senate need to step up their games, and fast. Funding the veterans home, which includes a large chunk of federal money, is a good start.

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmail

{ 5 comments }

Paulsen consistently inconsistent on running for Senate or Governor

by The Big E on February 12, 2013

So which is it?

Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) may or may not have plans to run against Sen. Al Franken or against Governor Mark Dayton in 2014. Paulsen has stayed out of the limelight since winning election in 2008 to the MN-03 district which encompasses the western suburbs of Minneapolis.

Paulsen says he’s consistently said he has no intention of running for higher office in 2014:

“I can’t comment on the interpretation of others..on remarks that I’ve made. But my message has been consistent,” said Paulsen, who said he has had no conversations with anyone at the National Republican Senatorial Committee about a possible run.

You would hold this opinion if you read the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Other sources, like MPR, beg to differ:

Republican Congressman Erik Paulsen said today he is not ruling out a run for higher office in 2014.

Paulsen has been mentioned as a possible challenger to DFL Senator Al Franken. In the past month, he has told several people that he’s not interested in running for Senate – only to have his aides quickly retract those statements.

After a news conference in St. Paul, Paulsen said everything is on the table, including a run for Senate or a run for governor.

The real reason that Paulsen wouldn’t be interested is the polling numbers. PPP released a poll in late January showing Franken leading Paulsen in a hypothetical 2014 race 50-39%.

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmail

{ 1 comment }

Dayton underscores DFL determination to pass marriage equality law

by The Big E on February 8, 2013

Let me mention one other cause, which is controversial, but consistent with my faith and my principles.  And, more importantly, consistent with this country’s founding principles and its Constitution.  I believe that every Minnesotan should have the freedom to marry legally the person she or he loves, whether of the same or other sex.

Last year, Minnesotans began a conversation about why marriage matters, and we found our common belief that it is about love, commitment, and responsibility.  I want Minnesota to be a state, which affirms that freedom for one means freedom for everyone, and where no one is told it is illegal to marry the person you love.
(Mark Dayton, 2013 State of the State Address)

Everyone knew that Gov. Mark Dayton was going to address marriage equality during his State of the State address yesterday. He kept it simple and clear. He reiterated that he will sign the bill if it appears on his desk.

“I agree with the Governor’s assessment on this important issue at this historic event,” said Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL-Mpls). “Minnesotans spoke clearly last year about this issue and told us the values that unite us are more important than those that divide us-that marriage is about love, commitment and responsibility.”

“The state budget and our economy are the focus at the start of this session, as they should be,” continued Dibble. “There is also room at the right time to have this conversation, which, consistent with everything else the legislature is working on, is really all about helping families do well.”

So once the budget has moved past it’s initial stages, expect to see DFLers introduce marriage equality bills.

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmail

{ 0 comments }

Dayton’s budget reduces cost of government

by The Big E on February 7, 2013

… and makes Republicans heads explode.

Republicans across Minnesota are very very frightened that when Gov. Mark Dayton signs the new budget that will include tax increases on the 2% of earners, the cost of government. This goes along with the fear that increasing taxes on the magical job creators will somehow force them to not create more jobs or something.

Yet again, their fears have nothing to do with reality:

Despite all of the right wing groups’ handwringing about tax increases under Gov. Mark Dayton’s budget proposal, Minnesota’s price of government under the Dayton plan actually will be less over the next four years than during the previous four.

The price of government or POG measures total Minnesota state and local government taxes, fees and charges as a percentage of statewide personal income. According to the most recent POG report from Minnesota Management and Budget:
(Grand Forks Herald)

The best part is pretty much all of the conservative groups active at the State Capitol accept that the POG is an accurate reflection of reality.

Watch them try to deny since it doesn’t mesh with what they want.

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmail

{ 4 comments }

Dayton’s budget

by The Big E on January 23, 2013

Gov. Mark Dayton presented his budget today. Last time Dayton presented his budget (2011), the Republican-controlled legislature were completely unwilling to negotiate and they eventually caused the 2011 government shut down.

But now as a result of a number of factors, including the government shutdown, the DFL controls both houses of the legislature.

“If the investments in my budget proposal are made, they will yield returns in new jobs, private investments, vibrant communities and additional state and local tax revenues; and they will help keep our economy moving forward,” said Dayton. “They represent my best judgment about what Minnesota needs to grow our economy, expand our middle class, improve our quality of life and take care of those most in need.”

Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk called Dayton’s budget “bold.” House Majority Leader Paul Thissen says this budget “takes Minnesota forward.”

The budget not only pays back our schools, but there will be investments in education instead of deep cuts.

He wants to lower property taxes for Minnesotans and tax the richest 1% of Minnesotans at the same level the rest of us pay. In other words, a tax increase for the 1% and property taxes may go down for the first time in more than a decade.


Dayton starts talking at the 16:42 mark

“Governor Dayton is right to push for long-term structural tax reform that makes tax rates fair and asks the richest 2% and corporate tax avoiders to pay their share and get our economy moving again,” said Dan McGrath of Take Action Minnesota. “The Governor’s plan will create a more robust economy by ending some of the worst abuses of our current tax system.”

Conservatives will kvetch, wail and gnash their teeth over this. They will shriek that our state’s magical job creators won’t magically create jobs because their taxes went up.

They will continue to lie about the $1.1 billion deficit they left behind. They will continue to lie and claim that they balanced the budget with just spending cuts.

Republicans solution to the problem they caused is always austerity — more spending cuts that hurt the people least able to handle more cuts.

But cuts hurt the economy more than raising taxes on the richest Minnesotans.

“Cutting state government spending would trigger three times greater job loss and decline in economic output than raising income tax rates on high income ($200,000/$250,000) an equivalent amount,” said Wayne Cox at Minnesotan Citizens for Tax Justice. His analysis was based August 2011 analysis by the CBO (PDF here).

Also according to Cox, state budget guru Tom Stinson has argued for years that increasing tax rates at the top would be better for Minnesota’s jobs and economic growth than cutting state spending.

Instead of listening to Republicans and their Underpants Gnomes Economic Theory, let’s consider actual facts. Let’s also listen to the people who know the most about our economy.

For example, let’s listen to Paul Anton. He served on Minnesota’s Council of Economic Advisors for 26 years. He wrote an op-ed on May 20, 2011 to no avail as Underpants Gnomes Economic Theory ruled the day.

I understand that Republicans firmly believe that if Minnesota raises its tax rates too high, companies and some high-income individuals will leave the state, thereby affecting long-term state growth. But I am not aware of any careful studies that support that contention, or indicate what would constitute “too high.” Given the relatively strong economic growth (compared with other states) that Minnesota experienced during the 1990s (when its tax rates were somewhat higher than today) I doubt there would be great risk in passing a modest tax increase today. But I would be interested in seeing more evidence before setting policies for the long term.

OK, based on the evidence, what do I think should be done? Two things:

First, pass the governor’s proposed “half tax increase” as a temporary, two-year surtax that sunsets after the next biennium. It will not slow the economy more than would the equivalent spending cuts.

Second, vote additional resources, maybe between $10 million and $15 million, to fund the production of additional evidence that could be used to set sustainable longer-term economic policies.
(Star Tribune)

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmail

{ 0 comments }

This is what good governance looks like

by The Big E on January 8, 2013

Governor Mark Dayton released a statement about what he wants the legislature to focus on. It’s a vision statement.

The DFL majorities have an opportunity to end some bad practices and institute some good ones.

After too many years of fighting defensive battles, of vainly trying to prevent horrendous cuts to essential services, we can finally begin undoing the damage.

Minnesota’s Moment:  A legislative session for the middle class

The 2013 legislative session is Minnesota’s moment: it is a chance to build a better Minnesota by making the investments that grow the economy and the middle class in Minnesota.

Over the next five months, Governor Dayton is eager to get to work with the Legislature. Together we will balance the budget responsibly and make our tax system fair while investing in jobs and education, providing property tax relief, and continuing to reform state government to make it work better on behalf of Minnesotans.

  • This is Minnesota’s moment.  The next five months are unique opportunity to grow Minnesota from the middle class out.
  • There are huge challenges ahead.  After a decade of budget games and gimmicks, Minnesota is faces a billion dollar deficit, a billion dollars in debt to our schools, and a tax system that is skewed toward protecting large corporations and the wealthiest Minnesotans from paying their fair share – all at the cost of the middle class.
  • The Race to the bottom is over.  We know that we cannot cut our way to prosperity, just as we know we cannot simply tax our way to greatness. But what we do know is that with a balanced approach we set a new course for our state that will provide the middle class the economic security they deserve.
  • Our priorities are simple.  This session is that we are going to come together around the values we know Minnesota sent us here to represent:
  • A Growing Economy and a Prosperous Middle-Class.

  • A Responsible and Balanced Budget

  • A Fair Tax System

  • An Education that allows every child a chance at success

  • A World-Class Higher Education System and 21st Century Workforce

  • Common Sense Reforms That Give Minnesotans a Better Value for their Tax Dollars.


    • facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmail

    { 9 comments }

    Tom Emmer for Governor in 2014?

    by The Big E on October 9, 2012

    Please please please please please please …

    Apparently, Tom Emmer didn’t embarrass himself enough in the 2010 Minnesota Governor’s race. He’s positioning himself for another humiliation at the hand’s of the press.

    This is all according to the disgraced Michael Brodkorb. Brodkorb is the former Deputy Chair of the Minnesota Republican Party, former MNGOP Senate Caucus Communications Director who was fired when everyone found out he was having an extramarital affair with his boss, Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch. He’s trying to rehabilitate himself as a pundit and journalist of sorts.

    It was announced yesterday that Tom Emmer, the Republican endorsed candidate for governor in 2010, has joined the board of a new political committee, A Stronger Minnesota. From the Republicans I spoke with yesterday, there were two reactions: “ugh” and “no!”

    While the Republican Party of Minnesota and activists across Minnesota are still recovering from nuclear winter brought on by Emmer’s candidacy in 2010, the general consensus is that Emmer is thinking of making another run for governor in 2014.  Words haven’t been invented yet that can accurately describe how horrible an Emmer candidacy would be for the conservative movement in Minnesota.

    In all likelihood, Emmer has a good chance. The Ron Paul supporters control the MNGOP. They are the reason Emmer became the nominee. Unless they are overthrown, Emmer’s going to get a second shot.

    At this juncture I would like to whole-heartedly endorse Tom Emmer for the MNGOP’s 2014 Governor nomination. I would only rescind my endorsement if Mr. Bills decided to follow up his most awesome 2012 US Senate run with a run for Governor. That would be awesome, too.

    I would love to see a Bills-Emmer clown fight.

    facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmail

    { 0 comments }

    The Voter Suppression Amendment And Legislative Intent

    by TwoPuttTommy on October 8, 2012

    The language on the ballot on November 6th is quite simple, voter supression proponents would have you believe.  And they are going ballistic because Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie (among others) has stated that if this voter suppression amendment passes, the photo ID used to vote must contain the voter’s current address.

    Does the voter suppression ballot measure, in it’s entirety and linked to above and here state that a current address on the ID is required to vote?  No.  So, where did MnSOS Mark Ritchie get the idea that passage of this odious amendment will require a current address?  Let’s look!
    First, let’s look at what the website of a leading voter suppression proponent states:

    The Voter ID amendment simply requires a government-issued identification for voting – this could include a Minnesota driver’s license, state ID, a passport, a military ID, a tribal ID or even an out-of-state driver’s license. The amendment does not require an ID with the individual’s current address; it is only used to verify identity. The Voter ID amendment is silent on residence verification, leaving that to existing statutes. A voter may verify identity with photo ID, and if the address on the ID is not current, statutes allow verification of residence in the precinct with a utility bill, among other options. (emphasis added)

    “The Voter ID amendment is silent…”  Well, yes, it is.  But, the bill proposed by the GOP that wound it’s way through the legislature – eventually vetoed by Governor Dayton – certainly wasn’t!

    You can link here to Senate File 509, otherwise known as the Voter Suppression Amendment; this link follows the “progress” of this odious bill (and it’s companion in the House, HF 210) from introduction through Governor Dayton’s veto.

    And you can link here to read the entire bill.

    I’m going to highlight a few key items to highlight that while that odious amendment on the ballot doesn’t require an address, that’s exactly what the proponents proposed to do, and given time and power, that’s exactly what they WILL do.  Let’s look at a screenshot from the Journal Of The Senate on May 18th, 2011:

    OK, see that part highlighted, to the right?  It reads: “(1) a Minnesota driver’s license, state identification card, or voter identification card issued under section 171.07 that contains the voter’s current address of residence in the precinct;” (emphasis added).  It’s quite clear of the intent of the authors of this odious amendment that the Photo ID had to have a current address on it.  

    Let’s take a closer look at some more of this section:

    “Subd. 2. Photo identification….”  Here’s the cut ‘n pastes from this subdivision: “(1)…that contains the voter’s current address of residence …” & “(2)(i)…that contains the voter’s current address of residence …” & (3)…the voter’s current address of residence…”

    It’s clear; the authors intend that Minnesota Law require a photo id to have the voter’s current address on it – if they get their way.

    Governor Dayton is trying his best, to make sure they don’t.  Let’s look at his veto message the the GOP-controlled legislature:

    “Dear President Fischbach:
    With this letter, I am vetoing and returning Chapter 69, Senate File 509, a bill requiring voters to provide photo identification with their current address before receiving a ballot, establishing a new provisional voting system, and making other changes to election administration. (emphasis added).”

    Everybody at the Capitol knew EXACTLY what the GOP Majority in the House and Senate was trying to do – require a current address on a photo ID for it to be “acceptable” – with very few exceptions and military ID wasn’t one of them.

    It is quite disingenuous for the voter suppression proponents to claim now, anything else.

    My only quibble with what MnSOS Mark Ritchie said, that passage of this odious amendment would require an ID with current address, is it didn’t qualify it with a “sooner or later” after it.

    Because clearly, that’s what these right wing extremists want to do.  Passage of this amendment will be bad enough (adding an unfunded mandate to local governments is only the start), sooner or later these right wing extremists will make it worse.

    More on this odious voter suppression amendment, later – including it’s effects on voting by active duty military stationed outside of Minnesota.  Stay tuned!

    And in the meantime, remember: You Couldn’t Trust The GOP Then, You Still Can’t Now, And Tomorrow Won’t Be Any Different.  

    facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmail

    { 2 comments }

    Dayton meets EP Chamber of Commerce

    by JeffStrate on September 22, 2011

    DFL Governor Mark Dayton shared lunch with members of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce on September 14.  It was the first time in memory, perhaps since Rudy Perpich was Governor, that a Democrat had spoken to the local business association.  The annual gubernatorial lunch had become a stump speech stop for Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty and a misty-eyed, hug fest for Mr. Pawlenty and the Republican members of the Chamber.    ”‘Compromise means agreeing to things you don’t agree with,’” Dayton said, according to the Eden Prairie Sun Current coverage of the event.

    “When talking about the Republican majority legislature, with many new faces, the governor said he had never met a group of people who thought, “‘compromise was a weakness and intransigence a virtue.”‘

    “… If you’re a grown up and you’re responsible,” Dayton said. “You make decisions, then you take the responsibilities with the consequences of them, good or bad. And, I can disagree with people, and I can respect them. And again that’s democracy.

    “But, again, I have no respect for someone who insists on having it their way and then when it goes awry, tries to blame me or anyone else. That’s unacceptable.”

    The approximately 38-minute long video includes a question and answer period.  There are several routes to the Governor’s presentation>

    Here’s the link to the City of Eden Prairie website video of Governor Dayton’s address:

    http://eden-prairie.granicus.c…

    Dayton’s address is also broadcast three times a day in Eden Prairie only on Comcast Cable Channel 16.  Here’s the link to the schedule:
    http://eden-prairie.granicus.c…

    Here’s the link to Paul Groessel’s Eden Prairie Sun Current article:
    http://www.mnsun.com/articles/…

    facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmail

    { 0 comments }

    ← Previous Entries