Anna Fiedler
Advertising Editor
On the morning of Jan. 4, 2011 the newly elected and returning representatives made their way to the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul for the 2011 legislative session. The newly elected legislative members were moved into their offices and the returning members gazed upon a familiar site.
In a press conference that took place on Dec. 29, 2010, Senate Majority Leader Mary Koch (R-Buffalo) stated that they had been very busy with the orders of business that needed tending to. Approximately 50 new staff members were hired, and the offices needed to be transferred and ready for the start of the new session. The new legislature also had to select new committee chairs and distribute memberships to all committee members.
During the Dec. press conference Senate Majority Leader Koch discussed outline three broad concepts that she would like the legislature to work on as well. “We need to create a business friendly climate and stimulate private sector jobs, the government needs to live within its means, and government needs to be cost effective, efficient, and smarter.”
The new session began on Jan. 4 and will continue until May 27, during which many new pieces of legislature will be analyzed through the three broad descriptions above. The 201 members that comprise Minnesota’s bicameral legislature have issues such as education, jobs, and the 6.2 billion dollar state deficit to face. Taxes, education, and gay rights are among those most prominent to the OHS student body.
“There needs to be more emphasis on education,” stated OHS Senior Lauren Kitrell while discussing points that the legislature needs to work on.
Another challenge that the Legislature is facing currently is party lines. With a Republican legislature and a Democratic Governor, talks of a “gridlock” returning have come about. There are rumblings of difficulties for getting legislation passed with opposing views.
“Absolutely there are going to be difficulties. With conflicting views from the opposing parties there are going to be problems with voting for the bills,” described OHS senior Ryan Weisbeck about a possible gridlock in the movement of legislation.
The legislation that will be passed or denied will be under close coverage recently due to the nature of the pressing issues. MN state legislation does effect the daily lives of people across Minnesota, so more students are beginning to follow the newsl. “I find myself following the state and local news more and more as I become older,” said OHS senior Nikki Martinson.
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