Minnesota faced a number of serious challenges as the state legislature began our work on February 4th.  Now, less than two months later, we have tackled them faster than in previous legislative years—with bipartisan cooperation on every bill described below.

The February Jobs bill is a great example of working quickly to help create over 10,000 much-needed jobs.  Fixing and building local bridges, roads, rail lines (including the Minnesota Prairie Line) and other public facilities were the steps that national and state experts encouraged. 

By starting our work in 2009 and meeting in January—before the session began—we successfully passed the Jobs bill that the Governor signed.  And we kept the cost within Minnesota’s “prudent and conservative” borrowing limits (to quote a National Association of State Budget Officers leader).

Last week, we restored health care for ‘the poorest and sickest Minnesotans,’ as the DHS Commissioner described General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) recipients.  I preferred the first GAMC plan we passed—it provided better support for rural hospitals—but the Governor vetoed it.  After significant negotiations, the legislature and Governor agreed to a smaller plan that retains important pieces of this safety net.

Yesterday, we cut $312 million from the state budget. These difficult cuts must be made: fiscal responsibility and the Minnesota Constitution both require that the state budget be balanced.  While I might have altered the package of cuts if I could have single-handedly crafted the plan, the bill was a negotiated compromise among all of the legislators and the Governor.

We agree with Governor Pawlenty in awaiting a federal jobs bill that would further reduce Minnesota’s deficit by $408 million (by helping sustain medical assistance payments).  Being so far ahead of schedule (normally, the legislature passes budget cuts in May, not March), the legislature can continue examining all of our options when we return after Easter.           

Yesterday, we also passed our Jobs II bill, which creates private investment incentives that will help create over 10,000 Minnesota jobs and spur new economic activity.  Local projects, including in North Mankato, and local businesses, in Gaylord and elsewhere in our area, should benefit from this bill’s passage.  I greatly appreciate the guidance from numerous small business owners in our area, who suggested many of this bill’s provisions to me.           

In less than two months, we have helped tens of thousands of Minnesotans get back to work, fixed 1/3 of the state’s budget problem and have options ready for when we return after the break, restored health care for 85,000 vulnerable Minnesotans, encouraged small business development, and more.

Terry Morrow

State Representative 23A

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