By and large, I feel our legislators were productive and did a good job during the recently completed session of the Minnesota legislature. They wisely passed a comprehensive transportation funding bill, which for many was not an easy choice, but one that will prove to be the right choice. Upwards of 30,000 jobs will be created and we will move forward knowing our roads and bridges will be taken care of. It is also apparent that there is still a lot of work to do to deal with the continued looming problems that face our state and District 10A.
School districts throughout rural Minnesota are battling declining enrollment, decreasing funding, and increasing class sizes. Some of our best and brightest teachers are being placed on unrequested leave and will not likely be back in the fall. The additional $51 per student secured by the legislature for school districts is a start, but more needs to be done to address the way our rural schools are funded. The current method does not work because it forces a larger, unfair amount to be shouldered by property owners through increased taxes. The increasing tax burden is causing resentment between taxpayers and their school districts, tearing at the social fabric of our communities. Rural Minnesota school districts deserve better.
On the issue of health care, work was begun to ensure that up to 12,000 more uninsured people will be eligible for Minnesota Care coverage. However, nothing has been done to ensure that health care costs become more manageable in the near future. Our families, our seniors, and our businesses deserve better.
We are failing our small businesses and threatening our state’s economy by not addressing the issues that are vital to their success and sustainability. Health care costs can strangle a small business owner’s entrepreneurial spirit by fostering a fear that such a basic human need as good health is out of reach. From 2003-2004 small businesses in Minnesota created a total of 24,000 net new jobs (U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy, “Small Business Profile: Minnesota, 2007″) http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/profiles/07mn.pdf. Small businesses are vital to our state’s economic development and they deserve better. http://www.sba.gov/advo/research/profiles/07mn.pdf
To address the issues of today, we need an effort by our legislators that recognizes the prudent, selfless decisions made by our parents, grandparents, and founders in creating a state that has long been the envy of this nation. Like those before me, I want to make Minnesota better for our children and future grandchildren.
In the time since I announced my candidacy for Minnesota House of Representatives, I’ve done a good deal of listening and gaining perspective for the common ground in our district. My experience of being a parent, a business owner, and a city council member for Fergus Falls has prepared me well for the challenges I’ll face if chosen to be your representative.
I’d appreciate your support and I encourage you to contact me with your concerns and views. Additional information regarding my campaign can be found at www.StumboFor10A.com or by calling me directly at (218)739-2306.
By Greg Stumbo, Fergus Falls
District 10A Candidate for Minn. House of Representatives
