Students-first reform presented on day one

Representative Kelby Woodard presented one of the first Reform 2.0 bills yesterday to the Education Finance Committee. HF 1860 is a students-first bill that allows levy referendum funding to follow a student if they go to a charter school within their resident school district. The bill will be considered for a spot in the session's overall education funding reform package.

Lawmakers look to business tax, permit changes

From Forum Communications:

Zellers said he is looking forward to working with Democrat Dayton to establish a “one-stop shop” for permitting applications so business owners do not have to fill out multiple forms that often ask the same questions.

“Especially in this economy, that’s not useful,” Zellers said.

Kiel ready for Reform 2.0

“These priorities will create a stronger private sector economy, help to raise student achievement and put Minnesotans in charge of their health care, while reducing the cost of government,” said State Rep. Deb Kiel, a Republican from Crookston

Read the whole story from the Crookston Daily Times.

Pioneer Press Editorial: Building a better business environment in Minnesota

Printed in Saturday's St. Paul Pioneer Press:

Even if an improving economy shrinks that shortfall, we urge lawmakers to take the long view, realizing the financial pressure on Minnesota's public budgets will persist. We've been warned about the implications of the demographic changes ahead and the strain an aging population will place on state resources.

In addition, the attention to reform, redesign and cost-cutting should capitalize on energy coming from many sources, including the governor's office and legislative

Democrats, and from counties, municipalities and others.

The Republicans say they are ready. "We're as prepared as I've seen the caucus" in his time at the Capitol, says Zellers, who credits House Majority Leader Matt Dean for work on the preparations since the Legislature adjourned in July.

"People are looking for results," said Dean.

GOP leaders: Our Minnesota agenda

Published in Sunday's Star Tribune:

We spent the last five months traveling the state, driving thousands of miles to dozens of cities to meet with hundreds of job providers, local government officials, educators and citizens to listen to their ideas on what government can and should do better.

This session, we will restore confidence in our economy to foster private-sector job growth, improve education to provide a highly skilled workforce, and make government more-efficient and cost-effective through reform.

Read the whole column here.