>>> STATEWIDE BROADCASTS OF"YOUE POSSIBLE BY THE MINNESOTA CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION FROM DEVELOPING BEST PRACTICES THAT HELP FARMERS BETTER PROTECT OUR NATURAL RESOURCES TO THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN CORN BASED PLASTICS, MINNESOTA CORN FARMERS ARE PROUD TO INVEST IN THIRD PARTY RESEARCH LEADING TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT BY MINNESOTA FARMERS UNION STANDING FOR AGRICULTURE, WORKING FOR FARMSERS ON THE WEB AT MFU.ORG.

WE WELCOME YOU TO ANOTHER SESSION OF "YOUR LEGISLATORS", A ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION FEATURING STATE LAWMAKERS ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSING IMPORTANT ISSUES AFFECTING THE CITIZENS OF MINNESOTA.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ONLINE, ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK.

NOW, HERE IS YOUR MODERATOR FOR TONIGHT'S PROGRAM, BARRY ANDERSON.

>> Barry: GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO "YOUR LEGISLATORS".

WE ARE DELIGHTED YOU HAVE JOINED US FOR THIS HOUR OF CONVERSATION ABOUT INTERESTING ISSUES AND PUBLIC POLICY AND HOW MINNESOTA SHOULD ADDRESS THE QUESTIONS IT FACES.

THIS IS YOUR PROGRAM, HENCE THE CATCHY NAME "YOUR LEGISLATORS" AND WE INVITE YOU TO CALL IN WITH YOUR QUESTIONS VIA VARIOUS ELECTRONIC MEANS WHICH WILL BE SHOWN ON YOUR SCREEN AS THE PROGRAM UNFOLDS.

WE CAN BE REACHED E-MAIL, TELEPHONE AND MAYBE EVEN FAX.

WE WILL SEE.

IN ANY EVENT, CALL IN WITH YOUR QUESTIONS FOR OUR PANEL, AND THAT LEADS ME TO THE PANEL THAT WILL HELP US UNRAVEL THE MYSTERIES OF ST. PAUL.

WE BEGIN, AS WE DO EACH WEEK, BY INTRODUCING OUR DISTINGUISHED GUESTS.

WE ARE GOING TO START WITH A GUEST THAT'S BEEN WITH US MANY TIMES, MANY YEARS, AND EVEN MANY DECADES, MAJORITY JOHN MARTY.

IF YOU COULD TELL OUR VIEWERS ABOUT YOURSELF AND COMMITTEES YOU SERVE ON AND I'M SURE THEY WOULD WELCOME THAT INTRODUCTION.

>> GLAD TO BE WITH YOU.

MY WIFE CONNIE BEEN SERVING IN THE SENATE FOR A LONG TIME.

I REPRESENT COMMUNITIES IN NORTHEAST METRO AREA, AND I SERVE ON ONLY TWO COMMITTEES THIS YEAR.

DFL LEAD ON THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE WHICH DEALS WITH ALL THE BUDGET ISSUES AND SERVE ON THE RULES COMMITTEE.

I HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MY TIME ON ENERGY ISSUES AND HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ISSUE, AND BEEN INVOLVED IN CHAIRING COMMITTEES, ENVIRONMENT OVER THE YEARS.

INTERESTED IN ALL THESE ISSUES.

>> Barry: WE ARE DELIGHTED YOU COULD BE WITH US.

DOESN'T YOUR TERRITORY INCLUDE THE STATE FAIR AS WELL?

>> YES, I DO HAVE THE STATE FAIR IN MY DISTRICT.

WE ARE HOPING TO WELCOME EVERYBODY BACK NEXT YEAR BUT NOT THIS YEAR PERHAPS.

>> Barry: MAYBE WE WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO TALK ABOUT THAT IN A LITTLE BIT.

ALSO JOINING, BUT FOR THE FIRST TIME FROM DISTRICT 41B IN NEW BRIGHTON, REPRESENTATIVE SENATOR FEIST.

DID I PRONOUNCE YOUR NAME DIRECTLY?

>> YES, YOU DID.

>> Barry: TELL OUR VIEWERS A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT YOUR DAY JOB IS WHEN YOU ARE NOT IN THE LEGISLATURE, COMMITTEES YOU SERVE ON.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HAVING ME.

I REPRESENT 41B WHICH IS THE SOUTHERN PART OF NEW BRIGHTON WHERE I LIVE AS WELL AS COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, ST. ANTHONY AND HILLTOP.

MY DAY JOB, I'M AN IMMIGRATION LAWYER, AND I HAVE MY OWN FIRM AND I HAVE BEEN DOING THAT FOR A REALLY LONG TIME.

I STARTED AS A PARALLEL 20 YEARS AGO AND HAVE BEEN AN ATTORNEY FOR THE LAST 13 YEARS.

I HAVE TWO KIDS, 9 AND 10, AND I SERVE ON THE EDUCATION FINANCE, EDUCATION POLICIES, PUBLIC SAFETY AND JUDICIARY COMMITTEES, AND I HAVE KIND OF DIVIDED MYSELF BETWEEN MY PASSION FOR EDUCATION AND ALSO MY LAWYER PASSIONS, SO I'M VERY EXCITED TO BE HERE FOR THE FIRST TIME.

THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> Barry: I HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF HAVING A DAUGHTER WANTED TO WORK IN THE IMMIGRATION FIELD AND LANDED THERE, AND IT'S A PIECE OF LEGAL BUSINESS THAT THE PUBLIC DOESN'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT.

UNFORTUNATELY I DON'T HAVE MUCH OF A CHANCE TO EXPLORE IT TONIGHT, BUT THE PUBLIC SHOULD KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT GOES ON IN OUR I AM GAS STATION COURTROOMS.

WE ARE EXCITED YOU COULD BE WITH US THIS EVENING.

JOINING US AGAIN, ANOTHER FREQUENT GUEST, BEEN WITH US MANY TIMES.

SENATOR JEFF HOWE.

INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO OUR VIEWERS.

>> THANK YOU.

IT'S GREAT TO BE BACK HERE I SERVE IN DISTRICT 13 WHICH ELM M ENCOMPASSES 13 CITIES.

I'M RETIRED FROM THE MILITARY.

I RETIRED FROM THE FIRE SERVICE AND CURRENTLY WORK AS A CODE CONSULTANT FOR A FEW CITIES, AND I'M MARRIED, HAVE FOUR GROWN CHILDREN.

I LIVE IN ROCKVILLE.

I CURRENTLY SERVE ON STATE GOVERNMENT FINANCE AND ELECTIONS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, COMMERCE AND CONSUMER PROTECTIONS AND ONE THAT'S NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART IS VETERANS.

>> Barry: WE WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT VETERANS ISSUES BEFORE WE ARE DONE THIS EVENING.

LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST LET'S INTRODUCE REPRESENTATIVE JORDAN RASMUSSON.

INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO OUR VIEWERS.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME, JUSTICE ANDERSON.

I LIVE IN FERGUS FALLS WITH MY WIFE, EMMA, AND WE ACTUALLY GOT MARRIED LAST YEAR ON SEPTEMBER 5th.

WE HAD TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO CAMPAIGN DURING COVID AND WEDDING DURING COVID, SO I HAVE A LOT OF EMPATHY FOR COUPLES WHO ARE TRYING TO GET MARRIED THIS YEAR.

MY FAMILY HAS LIVED HERE FOR 6 GENERATIONS, AND IT'S SUCH AN HONOR TO REPRESENT 11 CITIES AND SURROUNDING TOWNSHIPS OF OTTERTAIL COUNTY DOWN HERE AS A MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

MY BACKGROUND IS IN THE BUSINESS WORLD.

I WORKED AS A BUSINESS CONSULTANT AND ANALYST, AND LOOKING AT NUMBERS, SPREADSHEETS, AND ENJOY THAT PART OF THE LEGISLATIVE WORK AS WELL.

COMMITTEES I'M SERVING ON FOR THIS TERM ARE THE COMMERCE COMMITTEE, CAPITAL INVESTMENTS AND HUMAN SERVICES FINANCE AND POLICY.

>> Barry: WE ARE NOT GOING TO LET YOU -- IF YOU LIVED IN THAT AREA FOR SIX GENERATIONS WE ARE NOT GOING TO LET YOU ESCAPE HOW THE FIRST GENERATION MANAGED TO ARRIVE HERE.

WHO WAS THAT AND HOW LONG WAS IT?

>> WE HAD LAURA AND WE HAVE BEEN BEEN IN THE COUNTY EVER SINCE, AND REPRESENTATIVE FEIST, I COULD HAVE USED IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES.

>> Barry: MIGHT HAVE BEEN SO LONG AGO IT PREDATES IMMIGRATION.

ANYWAY, LET'S GET STARTED WITH ONE OF THE PRINCIPLE TOPICS OF CONVERSATION AND LET ME BEGIN BY GIVING YOU AN OPPORTUNITY THAT YOU THINK WE SHOULD BE DISCUSSING.

LET'S START WITH YOU, SENATOR MARTY.

THEN I WANT TO COME BACK AND TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT BUDGET ISSUES.

LET'S START WITH YOU, SENATOR.

>> ALWAYS HAVE A LOT OF ISSUES TO TALK ABOUT.

ONE I WILL FOCUS ON IS A SMALL NICHE ISSUE, AND IT RELATES TO THEFT OF CAT CAT CA CATALYTIC C. THIEVES WITH THE SAW TYPE OF THING, THEY CRAWL UNDER A CAR IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, CUT OFF THE CONVERTER AND SELL IT FOR A COUPLE HUNDRED BUCKS TO A SCRAP DEALER.

THE OWNER OF THE CAR HAS SOMETIMES A $3,000 EXPENSE TO REPLACE IT.

I HEARD FROM ONE NONPROFIT IN RURAL MINNESOTA AROUND JEFF'S DISTRICT THAT HAD LOST A COUPLE OF VANCE, C CATALYTIC CONVERTER.

IT WAS OVER 6,000 BUCKS TO REPLACE.

IT'S HARD TO TRACK THEM, NO WAY TO IDENTIFY THE PARTICULAR CONVERTER.

IT'S SUCH A QUICK THEFT THING.

I HAVE LEGISLATION, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO PUSHING THAT.

>> IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED TO SENATOR HOUSLEY.

>> SHE LOST ONE?

I HEARD FROM SO MANY COLLEAGUES, AND SENATOR TORRES HAD HER HUSBAND'S CAR HIT, TOO.

>> Barry: YOU LEARN SOMETHING EVERY DAY.

THAT IS A TOPIC THAT I KNOW HAS HAD SOME ATTENTION, BUT IT HAS BEEN RAPIDLY INCREASING INFREQUENT SI.

LET'S TURN TO YOU, REPRESENTATIVE FEIST.

WHAT ISSUE OR ISSUES ARE YOU TRACKING PARTICULARLY CAREFULLY IN THIS SESSION?

>> IN TERMS OF THE ISSUES I CARE DEEPLY ABOUT, I WOULD SAY EDUCATION AND ADDRESSING, YOU KNOW, IMPACT OF COVID ON OUR KIDS AND ESPECIALLY LOOKING AT THE DESPERATE IMPACT, THE WAY IT'S AFFECTED KIDS IN CERTAIN COMMUNITIES, IN CERTAIN AREAS, KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND FINDING WAYS WE CAN REALLY ADDRESS THE TRAUMA RECO AND ALLF THE WAYS THAT CHILDREN HAVE STRUGGLED WITH DISTANCE LEARNING.

MY TWO KIDS HAVE EVERY PRIVILEGE YOU CAN POSSIBLY IMAGINE, AND THEY HAVE REALLY STRUGGLED.

IF THEY ARE STRUGGLING, IT MEANS THE IMPACT IS JUST REALLY, REALLY FAST, AND THERE'S SUCH THIS HUGE LEARNING CURVE AS YOUR UNDERSTANDING HOW THE FINANCE IS PUT TOGETHER, HOW THE BUDGET FITS TOGETHER WITH INDIVIDUAL BILLS, AND I AGREED TO TAKE ON A BILL THAT WOULD PROVIDE FUNDING FOR ONLINE MUSIC COLLABORATIONS WITH OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND JUST, YOU KNOW, TRYING TO UNDERSTAND HOW IT ALL FITS TOGETHER AS A NEW LEGISLATURE, AND IT HAS BEEN PRETTY DAUNTING BUT VERY INSPIRING, AND I WOULD SAY THE EDUCATION REALM IS WHERE I'M FOCUSING MY ENERGY, AND I WILL STOP THERE.

I HAVE A MILLION THINGS I'M EXCITED ABOUT, BUT I WILL STOP THERE.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE MASS RASMUSSON, WHAT'S THE NO.

1 ISSUE?

>> DEFEATING COVID AND MAKING SURE WE GET MINNESOTA FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES BACK ON THEIR FEET, AND I THINK IT'S GOING TO TAKE A LOT OF THOUGHTFUL POLICY AND LEADERSHIP TO DO THAT.

THERE'S A LOT OF TRADE OFFS COVID HAS PRESENTED.

I THINK THAT'S GOING TO BE AN ISSUE WE ARE GOING TO BE DEALING WITH THIS YEAR IN PARTICULAR.

I THINK THE LONGER TERM IMPLICATION AS WELL AS JUST WORKING TO MAKE SURE THAT MINNESOTA IS COMPETITIVE FROM A TAX AND REGULATORY PERSPECTIVE.

THE COMMUNITY I REPRESENT, A SHORT DRIVE TO NORTH DAKOTA AND YOU CAN LOOK UP AND DOWN THE RED RIVER AND SEE THE IMPACT THAT MINNESOTA'S TAX AND REGULATIONS HAVE.

THEY ARE BIGGER AND A HUGHES HUGEIMPASSE FOR GROWING.

IT'S TO MAKE SURE THAT INDIVIDUALS WHO WANT TO LIVE, WORK, RAISE A FAMILY IN GREATER MINNESOTA ARE ABLE TO.

>> Barry: SENATOR HOWE, YOU HAVE CLEANUP.

>> REPRESENTATIVE RASMUSSON STOL MY THUNDER.

I WILL LET THAT GO.

I HAVE A COUPLE VETERANS ISSUES, BILLS, WORKING ON PROPERTY TAXES, AND THE OTHER ONE, I THINK, ONE THAT SENATOR MARTY AND I WORKED SOMETHING SIMILAR BEFORE BUT IT'S THE HOMETOWN HEROES ASSISTANT PROGRAM THAT I'M WORKING ON NOW THAT ACTUALLY DEALS WITH FIREFIGHTER CANCER AND HEART DISEASE AND TRYING TO MAKE THAT SOMETHING THAT IS WORK RELATED AND CAN BE COMPENSATED.

IT'S GOT FUNDING ISSUE THAT WE ARE WORKING THROUGH, BUT I THINK THAT THAT'S AN IMPORTANT PIECE IF WE STILL WANT OUR FIREFIGHTERS TO BE OUT THERE AS A FRONTLINE.

THAT'S ONE THAT'S NEAR AND DEAR TO MY HEART.

>> Barry: LET'S START WITH A QUESTION THAT OF COURSE BY VIRTUE OF THE CONSTITUTION, STATE CONSTITUTION IS OF CRITICAL IMPORTANCE IN THIS SESSION AND THAT'S BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS, AND OF COURSE THE CORONAVIRUS AND RELATED ISSUES HAVE COMPLICATED THAT PICTURE.

SENATOR MARTY, YOU ARE A VETERAN HERE, I THINK, AND LET'S START WITH YOU, AND LET'S GO OVER YOUR BUDGET COMMITTEE EXPERIENCE AND TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW YOU SEE THE BUDGET PROCESS UNFOLDING AND WHAT CRITICAL BENCHMARKS ARE, AND WE HAVE A FINANCE REPORT COMING UP HERE SOON, THOSE KINDS OF THINGS.

WE WILL START WITH YOU.

>> THIS IS GOING TO BE ONE OF THE MOST COMPLICATED YEARS FOR THE BUDGET NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT'S HARD TO WORK WHEN WE ARE IN THIS REMOTE ENVIRONMENT BUT ALSO BECAUSE THE NUMBERS SWAY SO QUICKLY, AND WE HAD A 1 1.$3 BILLION SURPLUS LAST JANUARY OR THE FEBRUARY FORECAST AND TWO MONTHS LATER BECAUSE OF COVID THERE WERE PROJECTIONS OF A $4 BILLION DEFICIT, A HUGE HIT IN JUST TWO MONTHS, AND SINCE THEN WE LEARNED THOSE IMMEDIATE FORECASTS WERE MORE SEVERE THAN WE THOUGHT, WORSE THAN THEY ENDED UP BEING, SO IT'S COME BACK.

BUT THE UPS AND DOWNS OF THE ECONOMY BECAUSE OF COVID ARE GOING CRAZY, AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WITH ITS TWO RELIEF PACKAGES, AND I SAW THEY HAD A MEETING WITH THE STATE COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISORS TODAY, AND THEY DO THEIR PROJECTIONS WITH WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THE ECONOMY, AND YOU CAN SEE IN ALL THE CHARTS TWO BUMPS, AND ONE IN MAY OR SO, AND ONE IN DECEMBER, BIG BUMPS IN THE ECONOMY, AND BOTH OF THOSE FOR WHEN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PASSED RELIEF PACKAGES, AND AS THEY FORECAST, AS THEY TRY AND PUT TOGETHER A BUDGET, WE WILL GET THE FEBRUARY FORECAST, WHICH WE PUT THE BUDGET TOGETHER ON NEXT MONTH BUT IN THAT TIME, YOU KNOW IF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STEPS IN WITH ONE BOARD, THEY TALKED ABOUT A BUDGET RELIEF PACKAGE.

IF THAT HAPPENS IT COULD HAVE A BIGGER IMPACT ON ANYTHING WE DO THIS YEAR.

IT'S GOING TO BE A VERY DIFFICULT ONE TO BALANCE, BECAUSE WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S DECISION, AND SWAY OUR WORK MORE THAN ANYTHING.

>> Barry: WE HEARD LAST WEEK FROM TWO OF OUR MEMBERS ON THIS PANEL THAT FEDERAL MONEY MAY VERY WELL TURN A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF RED INK, AT LEAST IN THE INITIAL YEAR OR SO, A MUCH PALER SHADE OF RED.

>> YES, WE DO HAVE -- FOR THIS BIENNIUM, THE BIENNIUM THAT ENDS NEXT JUNE, THE CURRENT ONE WE ARE IN, WE ARE OKAY FOR THAT RIGHT NOW.

IT LOOKS AS WE ARE DOING OKAY, BUT FOR THE NEXT TWO-YEAR PERIOD, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE SHORTFALL BILLION SOME DOLLARS ACCORDING TO CURRENT FORECAST.

IN FEBRUARY IT COULD MAKE IT MUCH WORSE OR MUCH BETTER.

>> Barry: SENATOR HOWE, BUDGET ISSUES, WHAT'S YOUR TAKE ON THE BUDGET PROCESS AND WHAT WE ARE LIKELY TO SEE.

>> I'M CONCERNED THAT EVEN IF WE GET THAT STIMULUS WE MIGHT HAVE A BUMP LIKE SENATOR MARTY SAID, BUT I'M WORRIED IT WON'T CONTINUE, AND IT WILL SET US UP FOR A FALSE POSITIVE, WHICH HAS BEEN ONE OF THOSE NEW TERMS IN OUR NORM CLAIT NOR NORMAN CLAIT.

AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE US CONSERVATIVE.

I'M WORRIED EVEN IF THE FEBRUARY FORECAST COMES OUT POSITIVE, IF WE DO GET THE FEDERAL MONEY WE END UP WITH A POSITIVE OUTCOME AND A GOOD FORECAST THAT SAYS WE ARE GOING TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE.

I'M WORRIED IF WE SPEND TO THAT LIMIT WE ARE GOING TO SET OURSELVES UP AND DIG OURSELVES A HOLE BECAUSE IT WILL BE A SPIKE LIKE IT WAS DURING THOSE TWO RELIEF PACKAGES, AND THEN WE WILL BE IN TROUBLE IN THE NEXT BIENNIUM.

I THINK WE NEED TO BE CAUTIOUS AS THAT FEBRUARY FORECAST COMES OUT.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE FEIST, BUDGET ISSUES.

>> I'M A BUSINESS OWNER, AS I MENTIONED.

MY LAW FIRM EMPLOYS 8 PEOPLE, AND I JUST KNOW THE VALUE OF INVESTING IN MY BUSINESS TO HELP IT GROW AND THRIVE, AND THAT'S REALLY THE WAY I SEE THE STATE'S BUDGET AS WELL.

WE HAVE A MOMENT THAT WE REALLY NEED TO BE INVESTING IN THE LONG-TERM SUCCESS OF OUR STUDENTS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND CREATING JOBS, AND WE ARE IN A REALLY PIVOTAL MOMENT, MOMENT OF STRUGGLE IN THE HISTORY OF OUR STATES, AND I REALLY -- I BELIEVE YOU CAN BE THOUGHTFUL AND STRATEGIC AND MAKE THOSE INVESTMENTS IN A REALLY SMART CONSERVATIVE CAUTIOUS WAY AS SENATOR HOWE SAYS.

YOU KNOW, I HAD A REALLY INTERESTING E-MAIL EXCHANGE TODAY WITH SOMEONE WHO SENDS A NEWSLETTER OUT ABOUT KIND OF CONSERVATIVE TAX POLICY, AND THEY MADE SOME INTERESTING POINTS, AND I PUSHED BACK A BIT, AND WE CAME TO THIS KIND OF POINT OF AGREEMENT THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO GO TOO EXTREME IN EITHER DIRECTION IN TERM OF TOO PROGRESSIVE OR NOT PROGRESSIVE ENOUGH.

I BELIEVE THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET, WHICH WOULD NOT IMPACT ANYONE WHO MAKES LESS THAN $20,000 A WEEK IS A REALLY GOOD PLACE TO START IN TERMS OF LOOKING AT WAYS THAT WE CAN MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE FUNDS THAT WE NEED TO MAKE THOSE STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS.

THAT'S KIND OF MY BIG PICTURE PHILOSOPHY AND HOW I WOULD APPROACH THE BUDGET.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE RASMUSSON, BUDGET ISSUES.

>> I WAS DISAPPOINTED IN THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET PROPOSAL THIS WEEK.

IT RELIES TOO HEAVILY ON TAX INCREASES AND DOESN'T LOOK CLOSELY ENOUGH WHERE WE CAN TIGHTEN OUR BELT IN THE STATE GOVERNMENT.

I BELIEVE HIS BUDGET INCREASE OVER OUR LAST OPERATING BUDGET IS ABOUT 9 1/2% IN TERMS OF SPENDING INCREASE AND THE TAX PROPOSAL WOULD PUT MINNESOTA CORPORATE TAX AT SECOND HIGHEST IN THE NATION, AND FOR THE NEW PERSONAL INCOME TAX BRACKET WOULD BE THIRD HIGHST IN THE NATION.

I HAVE A LOT OF CONCERNS AROUND WHAT THAT MEANS IN TERMS OF ATTRACTING BUSINESSES, WORKFORCE, INVESTMENT IN OUR COMMUNITIES IN THE LONG-TERM.

I THINK IT'S THE WRONG MOVE TO MAKE IF WE ARE TRYING TO RECOVER FROM THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS THAT COVID HAS HAD.

MINNESOTANS APPRECIATE THEIR PUBLIC SERVICES.

THEY ARE OKAY PAYING TAXES, BUT I THINK WE AS LEGISLATORS NEED TO TAKE A HARD LOOK AT THIS BUDGET AND ASK AND ENSURE THAT MINNESOTANS ARE GETTING A GOOD RETURN ON THEIR INVESTMENT.

THAT WILL BE THE TASK FOR ALL OF US AS WE HEAR FROM COMMISSIONERS ABOUT THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET PROPOSAL, AND LEGISLATURE PUTS TOGETHER ITS OWN PACKAGE.

>> Barry: SENATOR HOWE, OR GO TO SENATOR MARTY.

I WANT TO GO BACK TO YOU ON THE BUDGET.

I WANT TO GIVE YOU TO TALK ABOUT THAT.

>> SURE.

I WOULD LOVE TO.

I WAS PLEASED WITH THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET.

I THINK ONE OF THE THINGS WE HAVE TO RECOGNIZE AND AGAIN I AGREE WITH JORDAN, WE SHOULD BE TAKING A VERY HARD LOOK AT THE BUDGET, EVERY DETAIL, BUT I THINK WHEN YOU LOOK AT HOW COVID HAS IMPACTED PEOPLE, OUR TOTAL INCOME TAX DOLLARS AND EVERYTHING DIDN'T GO DOWN NEARLY AS MUCH AS YOU WOULD EXPECT WHEN 8, 9% UNEMPLOYMENT, PEOPLE LOSING THEIR JOBS AND LOSING ALL THEIR INCOME, BUT THE PEOPLE THAT LOST THEIR JOBS TEND TO BE AT THE WHOLE END, PEOPLE THAT CAN'T AFFORD THEIR RENT.

A LOT OF THEM ARE ONLY IN-HOUSING RIGHT NOW BECAUSE THERE'S BEEN A MORATORIUM ON EVICTION.

WHEN WE LOOK AT THE NEEDS OUT THERE, THE HEALTHCARE AND THE EDUCATION COSTS BECAUSE IT'S A LOT MORE EXPENSIVE TO TRY TO DO THIS EDUCATION.

ALL OF THESE NEW THINGS WE ARE TRYING TO DO, ALL THE NEW ISSUES RELATED TO COVID IS MORE EXPENSIVE, AND IF WE DON'T STEP IN TO HELP THE FOLKS STRUGGLING MAKING ENDS MEET PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK, IF WE DON'T STEP IN TO HELP THEM, I THINK WE ARE GOING TO BE MUCH WORSE OFF, AND THAT'S THE REASON, I THINK, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, WHEN THEY PUT THEIR INVESTMENTS IN, IT REALLY HELPED A LOT TO KEEP THE ECONOMY GOING, AND OTHERWISE WE COULD HAVE BEEN IN A DEPRESSION THIS YEAR.

THE I THINK THE FEDERAL RESERVE, WE SHOULD BE DOING THE SAME AS A STATE, BOTH TO ADDRESS THE URGENT NEEDS AND SO ON, AND IN THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET, HE DOES PROVIDE TAX GREAT LAKES FOR LOW INCOME WORKING PEOPLE, EARNED INCOME TAX CREDITS, AND IT'S A STRONG BIPARTISAN SUPPORT.

IT'S A PROGRAM THAT HELPS PEOPLE WHO ARE LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK TO MAKE ENDS MEET.

HE'S GIVING A BUMP INTO THAT.

I REALIZE PEOPLE AT THE TOP, THEY DON'T LIKE HIGHER TAXES BUT IF YOU ARE MAKING A MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR, AS SANDRA MENTIONED IT'S 20,000 BUCKS A WEEK.

IF YOU ARE MAKING 20,000 BUCKS A WEEK, COULD YOU AFFORD TO PAY?

THE AVERAGE THEY ARE PAYING, AND PEOPLE ARE PAYING 1% MORE IF THEY DO THAT, AND THEY CAN AFFORD THAT 1% IF THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE BETTER SCHOOLS, SAFER COMMUNITIES AND EVERYTHING ELSE.

I THINK THE GOVERNOR HAS A VERY WISE MEASURED BUDGET FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN SO FAR.

>> Barry: WE WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO COME TO THE BUDGET BEFORE WE ARE DONE THIS EVENING.

WE HAVE A QUESTION FROM THE VIEWER THAT TALKS ABOUT LAKE STREET AREA WHERE THERE'S SUBSTANTIAL DEVASTATION AS A RESULT OF RIOTS IN THE PRECEDING MONTHS AND WANTS TO KNOW PROGRESS ABOUT REBUILDING IN THAT AREA AND HOW IT INFLUENCES THE REST OF THE BUDGET.

WHO WANTS TO TAKE A RUN OF IT?

ANYBODY WANT TO TAKE A RUN AT THAT?

>> I JUST COMMENTED A MINUTE AGO.

THAT IS FIRST OF ALL IF THE REBUILDING WAS GOING VERY SLOWLY, THERE WERE A LOT OF PROBLEMS AT THE BEGINNING, AND IN TERMS OF GETTING THE BUILDINGS CLEARED OUT, SOME OF THE DESTRUCTION WASN'T TAKEN CARE OF RIGHT AWAY, AND NOW IT'S HAPPENING BUT A LOT OF THOSE BUSINESSES, I TALKED TO A PHARMACIST, IMMIGRANT WHO STARTED HIS OWN PHARMACY ABOUT A YEAR BEFORE THE RIOTS HAPPENED, AND IT WAS A DISASTER.

HE LOST EVERYTHING.

HE SAID HE WAS INSURED BUT UNDERINSURED FOR ALL THE COSTS HE HAD BECAUSE HE COULDN'T ENVISION ANYTHING DESTROYING THE ENTIRE BUSINESS.

I THINK WE NEED TO GIVE THEM HELP.

I THINK THE STATE HAS AS ONE OF THE ISSUES, SHOULD THE STATE HELP THEM, AND I SUPPORTED RELIEF ON RED RIVER VALLEY AND SUPPORTED FOR EVERY KIND OF DISASTER AROUND THE STATE.

I THINK THIS IS ONE THAT NEEDS THAT AS WELL.

BUT THERE STILL HASN'T -- THE STATE HAS NOT PUT IN ANY HELP FOR THIS.

I BELIEVE WE NEED TO DO THAT, BECAUSE THOSE COMMUNITIES ARE AS MUCH A PART OF THE STATE AS ANY OTHER PART.

I REALLY HOPE WE CAN STEP UP AND HELP WITH THAT.

BUT THE REBUILDING HAS BEEN GOING SLOWLY.

SOME BUSINESSES ARE REOPENED BUT A LOT OF THEM ARE STILL IN THE PROCESS OF DECIDING WHAT'S NEXT.

>> Barry: SENATOR HOWE?

>> WELL, I THINK THAT'S KIND OF A -- I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY AID THERE BECAUSE I KNOW THE GOVERNOR TOOK DISASTER RELIEF MONEY AND FUNDED MINNEAPOLIS THERE IN SOME RESPECTS.

I HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF A PROBLEM WITH IT BECAUSE I TRULY BELIEVE SOME OF THE ACTIONS OF MINNEAPOLIS, THE MAYOR, AND THE GOVERNOR WAITING FOUR DAYS TO CALL IN THE GUARD, YOU KNOW, I THINK THAT THAT CAUSED AND ALLOWED A LOT OF THAT DESTRUCTION TO GO ON, AND FOR THE REST OF MINNESOTA TO GET PAID TO HELP REBUILD THAT, I THINK IS TROUBLESOME.

I MEAN, I HEARD FROM A LOT OF FOLKS THROUGHOUT THE STATE THAT SAID, YOU KNOW, DON'T USE ANY OF MY TAX DOLLARS TO REBUILD MINNEAPOLIS.

THAT'S THEIR OWN MISTAKES BY WHO THEY ELECTED TO LEAD THAT CITY.

I'M A LITTLE BIT TROUBLED BY EVEN THE GOVERNOR TAKING THE EMERGENCY FUNDS, DISASTER FUNDS OUT, I THINK THAT WAS A LITTLE BIT UNDERHANDED IN MY BOOK.

I DON'T THINK THAT WAS RIGHT WITHOUT USING THE LEGISLATURE.

NOW I THINK HE HAS MORE IN HIS BUDGET TO DO THAT.

I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THAT IS WHERE THE MAJORITY OF THE GREATER MINNESOTA WANTS THEIR MONEY TO BE SPENT, AND SO I THINK THAT IT DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE REBUILT.

THEY GET LGA.

THEY COULD USE IT FOR THAT.

BUT I HAVE GOT A REAL PROBLEM FUNDING THE REBUILDING OF LAKE STREET BECAUSE OF THE MISTAKES THAT SOME OF THE LEADERSHIPS MADE.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE FEIST?

>> I LIVED IN NEW ORLEANS AND EVACUATED HERE AFTER HURRICANE KATRINA AND SAW THE COUNTRY COME TO THE AID OF LOUISIANA AND ME, BECAUSE I CAME HERE IN MINNESOTA WITH MY FAMILY, AND THEY TOOK ME IN.

I FEEL REALLY STRONGLY.

WE ARE ONE STATE.

WE ARE ONE COMMUNITY.

WE NEED TO SEE EACH OTHER THAT WAY AND SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER.

THE TWIN CITIES ARE A HUGE ECONOMIC ENGINE, HUGE TAX PAIR, AND I BELIEVE PHILOSOPHICALLY THAT IS WHAT THE STATE IS FOR, TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES IN NEED WHEN THEY DO HAVE A CRISIS.

I HAVE A CLIENT WHOSE BUSINESS WAS LOOTED AND DESTROYED AND AND LIKE SENATOR MARTY SAYS, YOU HAVE INSURANCE THAT COVERS SOME OF THAT, BUT IT'S HARD TO REBUILD AN ENTIRE BUSINESS, RESTOCK AN ENTIRE STORE.

THESE ARE A LOT OF BUSINESS OWNERS AND A LOT OF TAXPAYERS THAT NEED SUPPORT, AND THAT SUPPORT WILLOW-IT'S HOW -- THAT'S WHAT GOVERNMENT IS FOR.

WE ARE SUPPOSED TO HELP ONE ANOTHER WHEN AS INDIVIDUALS WE CAN'T DO IT.

SO I REALLY SUPPORT PROVIDING THAT AID.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE RASMUSSON, REBUILDING LAKE STREET.

>> AFTER I GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE I ACTUALLY LIVED A COUPLE BLOCKS OFF LAKE STREET FOR MY FIRST JOB OUT OF MY COLLEGE THERE IN MINNEAPOLIS.

I THINK ALL OF MINNESOTA IS HEART BROKEN BY THE DESTRUCTION THAT WE SAW, BUSINESSES DESTROYED, LOST THEIR JOBS, NEIGHBORS WHO DON'T HAVE A PLACE TO BUY THE GOODS AND SERVICES THAT THEY NEED.

I THINK ALONG WHAT SENATOR HOWE SAID.

LOOK AT CURRENT RESOURCES THAT ARE OUT THERE, AND HOW THOSE CAN BE LEVERAGED.

I THINK THE OTHER IMPORTANT POINT FOR THE TWIN CITIES AND MINNEAPOLIS IN PARTICULAR IS THAT THEY HAVE TO GIVE THE PUBLIC SAFETY SITUATION MOVING IN A BETTER DIRECTION, BECAUSE THAT'S SOMETHING I ALSO HEAR FROM THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS REINVESTMENT IN SOME OF THOSE AREAS, AND THEY ARE WORRIED IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN, EXRENNIVE PUBLIC SAFETY PLAN TO ENSURE THAT IT WON'T.

I THINK THAT NEEDS TO BE THE FOCUS THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION AS WELL, TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE, PROPERTY AND DUE PROCESS IS PROTECTED WHEREVER YOU ARE IN MINNESOTA, AND I KNOW THAT'S A KEY PRIORITY FOR MANY LEGISLATORS OF BOTH PARTIES.

>> YOU KNOW, SOME OF THE FRUSTRATION, BARRY IS THOSE FOLKS THAT WERE ARRESTED, UNLESS THEY WERE ARRESTED BY THE ATF, ALL OF THOSE PROTESTERS GOT EVERYTHING DISMISSED AND THAT REALLY UPSETS A LOT OF THE CONSTITUENTS OUT HERE IN GREATER MINNESOTA.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO ARREST THOSE FOLKS, PROSECUTE THEM.

MOST OF THEM GOT EVERYTHING DROPPED.

THAT REALLY UPSETS, AND THEN THEY -- IT'S REALLY BEEN A PROBLEM AS FAR AS THE PERCEPTION OF DO THEY REALLY WANT "LAW AND ORDER"?

DO THEY REALLY WANT TO DO THAT, OR ARE THEY GOING TO LET THIS HAPPEN AGAIN 6 MONTHS FROM NOW?

>> THEY HAVE -- THEY ARE STILL PROSECUTING.

IT'S A LONG PROCESS WHEN THEY DON'T HAVE EVERYBODY IDENTIFIED.

IT'S LIKE ALL THE PEOPLE AT THE U.S. CAPITOL IN JANUARY, THEY LET THEM OUT THE DOORS BECAUSE THERE WAS A RIOT COMING ON, AND NOW THEY ARE COMING BACK AND IDENTIFYING PEOPLE AND PROSECUTING.

THE PEOPLE THEY HAVE BEEN CONVICTING SO FAR, SOMEBODY FROM UP NEAR BRAINERD, SOMEBODY FROM AUSTIN, PEOPLE FROM OUT OF STATE.

YEAH, THERE WERE SOME MINNEAPOLIS, ST. PAUL AND SUBURBAN PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE DAMAGE AS WELL, AND THEY OUGHT TO PROSECUTE THEM, AND I THINK THEY ARE GOING TO.

I THINK IT'S VERY CLEAR.

I WANT TO FOCUS ONE MORE THING, BECAUSE I HEAR FROM BOTH THE RURAL LEGISLATORS THAT THEY ARE HEARING THEIR CONSTITUENTS DON'T WANT TO PAY.

I THINK THE POINT IS THAT WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER.

WHEN SOMEBODY IS HURTING WE TRY AND HELP THEM.

BUSINESSES ARE REALLY HURTING AND WE NEED TO HELP THEM, AND IT'S THE SAME THING -- I WOULD ARGUE THAT OUR TRANSPORTATION FUNDING IS VERY HEAVILY TILTED TOWARDS GREATER MINNESOTA.

THERE RRNT NEARLY AS PEOPLE THERE.

MOST OF THE MONEY IS COMING FROM THE METRO AREA BECAUSE MOST OF THE PEOPLE AND STATE'S WEALTH IS IN THE TWIN CITIES AND IT GOES TO GREATER MINNESOTA TO FUND ROADS THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE RIDE ON.

I WANT A FAIR FORMULA WHICH MAY GIVE MORE MONEY, DISPROPORTIONATE MONEY TO SMALL COMMUNITIES.

I THINK IT'S VERY IMPORTANT WE DO THAT, AND I SUPPORT TRAGEDIES WHEREVER THEY HAPPEN, THAT WE AS A STATE TO STEP IN.

I WOULD MAKE A PITCH TO RURAL CONSTITUENTS, FIRST OF ALL IT WASN'T MINNEAPOLIS PEOPLE DOING THIS, IT WAS PEOPLE ALL AROUND THE STATE AND AROUND THE COUNTRY THAT CAME IN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DISORDER AND JUST RIOT, AND THEY DID TERRIBLE DESTRUCTION AND THEY WILL GET PROSECUTED.

AS MANY AS POSSIBLE SHOULD BE, I THINK THERE'S AN AGREEMENT ON THAT.

WE HAVE TO STEP IN TOGETHER AND ADDRESS OUR STATE ISSUES TOGETHER.

>> WE HAVE A QUESTION FROM A VIEWER FROM THE UNKNOWN COMMUNITY TWITTER.

THIS VIEWER WANTS TO KNOW ABOUT PLANNED FUTURE MINNESOTA VETERAN HOME OR VETERAN HOME PLAN FOR BEMIDJI, PRESTON, AND APPARENTLY WE WERE NOT SUCCESSFUL IN SECURING FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THOSE FACILITIES, AND THE VIEWER WANTS TO KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT.

SENATOR HOWE, LET'S PICK ON YOU TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION.

>> WE JUST HAD THAT DISCUSSION TODAY, AS A MATTER OF FACT, IN THE VETERANS COMMUNITY.

I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHERE WE ARE ON THE FEDERAL PRIORITY LIST YET, BUT WE HAVE OBLIGATED -- I THINK WE HAVE OBLIGATED THOSE FUNDS STATEWIDE ON OUR SHARE AND NOW WE JUST HAVE TO CLIMB THAT LADDER OF PRIORITY ON THE FEDERAL FUNDING LIST, AND MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

SO THAT'S WHERE WE ARE AT.

WE ARE WAITING FOR THE FEDS TO PONY UP THE DOLLARS AND THOSE THINGS SHOULD BE UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

WHETHER THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, WE WILL SEE.

>> Barry: VETERANS HOMES, SENATOR MARTY.

>> I DON'T HAVE MUCH TO ADD TO THAT OTHER THAN I WANT TO SAY WITH ALL OF OUR SENIOR POLICY, NOT JUST FOR VETERANS BUT ALL OF OUR HOUSING, WE HAVE GOT -- IT'S BEEN A CRISIS YEAR LARGELY BECAUSE OF COVID BUT IT SUGGESTS WE ARE NOT DOING AS WELL AS OTHER STATES ARE IN TERMS OF CARING FOR THE ELDERLY, AND I WOULDN'T SAY ANY STATE IS DOING VERY WELL.

PEOPLE AT THE BEGINNING AND ENDS OF LIFE ARE MOST VULNERABLE AND THEY RELY ON OTHERS, AND OUR SYSTEM HAS GOT MANY GAPS IN IT, INCLUDING LACK OF PAY FOR WORKERS THAT STAFF THE NURSING HOMES, WHICH IS WHY WE ARE HAVING TROUBLE WITH IT.

BUT THE FUNDING FOR THE VETERANS HOMES AROUND THE STATE, I DON'T KNOW.

I DON'T HAVE MUCH TO ADD TO WHAT JEFF SAID.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE FEIST, VETERANS HOME ISSUES.

>> I CAN'T SAY THAT I'M INFORMED ABOUT VETERANS HOUSE ISSUE, THE SPECIFIC ISSUE, BUT I'M LOOKING AT THE VETERANS RESTORATIVE JUSTICE ACT, AND I'M HONORED TO BE TAKING THAT THE NEXT STEP.

IT'S BEEN A LONG-TIME EFFORT TO EXPAND VETERANS TREATMENT PORTS AND LOOK AT A RESTORATIVE APPROACH TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AS IT RELATES TO VETERANS WHO HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH LOW LEVEL CRIMES.

I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

ONE OF MY REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES, REPRESREPRESENT IT WOULD BE A TX CREDIT, AND I E-MAILED HIM A TECHNICAL QUESTION ABOUT THAT BECAUSE I HIRED A DISABLED VETERAN AND CURIOUS HOW IT RELATE TO DO EXISTING LAWS, AND IT'S GOOD TO SEE THERE ARE A LOT OF EFFORTS ON HOW WE CAN MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE SUPPORTED BY THE STATES.

>> Barry: OF COURSE THE ISSUE THAT YOU ARE TUMPING ON THERE, AND I DON'T NORMALLY PARTICIPATE IN THE GIVE AND TAKE, BUT OUR MINNESOTA JUDICIAL BRANCH HAS A NUMBER OF LOCATIONS TO DEAL WITH ISSUES THAT ARE UNIQUE TO VETERANS, AND ALONG WITH THE OTHER PROBLEM SOLVING COURTS AND THE LIKE HAVE BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL.

THOSE ARE ALSO PART OF THE MIX ON THIS ISSUE.

I DIDN'T MEET TO CUT OFF REPRESENTATIVE RASMUSSON.

ANY THOUGHTS ON THE VETERANS HOME ISSUES?

>> BLESSED TO HAVE A VETERANS HOME IN FERGUS FALLS, AND THEY FACED MANY CHALLENGES OVER THE PAST YEAR, BUT THEY ARE VERY HAPPY TO BE GETTING ACCESS TO THE VACCINE, AND WE HAVE TO SUPPORT OUR VETERANS AND ALL THE INDIVIDUALS WE HAVE IN LONG-TERM CARE LIKE SENATOR MARTY SAID, TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ABLE TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO LIVE THEIR LIVES WITH DECENCY AND HAVE A STANDARD OF CARE THAT'S ACCEPTABLE.

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING ON A BIPARTISAN BASIS TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE VETERANS HOMES.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE FEIST, WE HAVE A QUESTION FROM A VIEWER IN WOODBURY WHO IS CONCERNED ABOUT EDUCATION FUNDING GENERALLY BUT IS ALSO CONCERNED THAT DOLLARS ALLOCATED FOR EDUCATION SEEM TO WIND UP IN ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS AND IS WONDERING ABOUT TOP HEAVY ADMINISTRATION AND BUREAUCRACY AND EDUCATION IN GENERAL.

VERY COMPLICATED TOPIC.

I'M SURE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE IT.

MAYBE YOU CAN TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE EDUCATION FUNDING PIECE, K-12 IN PARTICULAR AND THIS QUESTION THAT THE VIEWER RAISES, AND WHICH HAS COME UP ON A NUMBER OF CASS OCCASIONS, WHAT ABOUT THE BUREAUCRACY AND BUREAUCRATIC ISSUES?

>> WHAT IT BRISTOW MIND IS A TESTIMONY I HEARD ABOUT ONE OF THE HOST RESEARCHERS AND ONE OF MY EDUCATION COMMITTEES WHERE THEY WERE DESCRIBING THE COMPLICATED FORMULA AND HOW IT RELATES TO LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES AND HOW IT FUNDS DIFFERENT PARTS OF -- HOW EDUCATION IS FUNDED.

I ASKED HIM SHOULD IT BE SO COMPLICATED?

IF IT WAS MORE SIMPLE, DO YOU THINK THAT WOULD BE BETTER?

AND HE SAID ACTUALLY WE HAVE A CHOICE IN WHAT WE ARE GOING TO PRIORITIZE.

IS IT EQUITY, TRANSPARENCY, SIMPLICITY?

I THOUGHT THAT WAS INTERESTING, BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT OF BALANCING FACTORS THAT YOU NEED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT AS YOU ARE LOOKING AT HOW DO WE STRATEGICALLY FUND EDUCATION.

THE MAIN THING I HAVE LEARNED AFTER BEING ON THESE COMMITTEES IS THAT IT'S INCREDIBLY COMPLEX.

THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF BEING A LEGISLATOR IS HAVING EXPERTS PRESENT TO YOU, AND IT'S BEEN GRATIFYING TO SEE PEOPLE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, EXPERTS, SUPERINTENDENTS, SPECIAL EDUCATION EXPERTS, JUST PEOPLE THAT REALLY HAVE PUT A LOT OF THOUGHT INTO HOW TO TARGET FUNDING TO THE KIDS AND THE COMMUNITIES THAT NEED IT MOST.

WHEN I'M LOOKING AT EDUCATION FUNDING, THE THINGS THAT I'M LOOKING AT ARE MY DREAM IS TO HAVE EDUCATION THAT IS CONSISTENT, EQUITABLE AND GENEROUS.

TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW DO WE GET THERE?

AND HOW DO WE BALANCE?

HOW DO WE MAKE SURE THAT THE TAX DOLLARS ARE BEING THOUGHTFULLY AND STRATEGICALLY SPENT?

SO I GUESS I HAVE NOT ENTERED THE SPECIFIC QUESTION, BECAUSE THAT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT'S BEEN IDENTIFIED BY THE NONPARTISAN RESEARCHERS OR THE EXPERTS THAT HAVE COME TO TESTIFY BEFORE THE COMMITTEES, AND THEY HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT WHERE ARE WE NOT REACHING OUR CHILDREN?

WE CAN HAVE MORE TRAUMA INFORMED EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AND WE CAN HAVE THE WRAP AROUND SERVICES, THEY CALL IT, SO THAT WE ARE REALLY MEETING THE KID WHERE THEY ARE AND MEETING ALL OF THEIR EMOTIONAL, SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC NEEDS.

I SEE WHERE THE NEED IS.

I DON'T SEE A TON OF MONEY WASTED AND I SEE A LOT OF PLACES WHERE WE NEED TO BE REALLY THOUGHTFUL AND GENEROUS AND MAKING SURE THAT THERE IS IN MY MIND NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAT WE CAN INVEST IN THAN THE FUTURE ADULTS OF MINNESOTA, FUTURE WORKFORCE.

THEY TALK A LOT ABOUT EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND FOR EVERY CHILD INVESTED YOU GET A 17-DOLLAR RETURN.

WE KNOW KIDS WHEN THEY ARE YOUNG THEIR BRAINS ARE DEVELOPING, AND WE SUPPORT THEM AND WE PROVIDE THEM THE ACADEMIC SUPPORT RIGHT AWAY, AND THEY CAN GROW UP TO BE FULLY CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY.

EVERY KID DESERVES THAT AND THE STATE WILL BENEFIT FROM THAT.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE RASMUSSON THE THOUGHTS ON K-12 EDUCATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

>> ONE OF THE LITTLE KNOWN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LEGISLATURE IS ACTUALLY SELECTING REGENTS WHICH THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA SYSTEM.

I'M SURE MY COLLEAGUES SHARE THE EXPERIENCE OF GETTING OUT REGION FROM REGENTS CANDIDATES.

WE TALK ABOUT THEIR PRIORITIES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, AND ONE OF THE QUESTIONS THAT I HAVE ASKED EACH REGENT CANDIDATE THAT I HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH IS HOW CAN WE ADDRESS ADMINISTRATIVE COST AND HIGHER EDUCATION AND COSTS IN GENERAL, AND I THINK ALL OF US WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE DOLLARS THAT WE SEND PARTICULARLY TO HIGHER EDUCATION ARE DIRECTLY IMPACTING STUDENTS AND THE TYPES OF OPPORTUNITIES AND I THINK IT'S SOMETHING WE HAVE TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT WHEN WE ARE FUNDING BOTH MINNESOTA STATE AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA SYSTEM, MAKING SURE KEEPING THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS LOWER SO WE CAN KEEP THE COST LOWER AND STUDENTS WILL GO USE OUR UNIVERSITY SYSTEMS, AND NOT HAVE A CRUSHING DEBT BURDEN THAT HOLDS US BACK.

>> SENATOR MARTY?

>> I'M GOING TO AGREE WITH THE LAST TWO.

JORDAN, HIGHER EDUCATION, I THINK WE HAVE TO GET A HANDLE ON THAT, BECAUSE HOW A LOT OF NONPROFITS AND PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND SO ON, THEY FEEL WE HAVE GOT TO COMPETE WITH THE CORPORATE SALARIES IN ORDER TO GET GOOD PEOPLE.

I DON'T THINK IT'S TRUE.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, PREVIOUS PRESIDENT AND SO ON, IF THEY CARE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY, LOOK, WE WILL PAY YOU A GOOD WAGE BUT WE DON'T HAVE TO PAY YOU THAT KIND OF WAGE, A LOT OF PRESTIGE AND SO ON, AND I THINK WE HAVE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT HIGHER EDUCATION, ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES TO THE CALLER AND SANDRA'S RESPONSE TO THE CALLER, I AGREE K-12 EDUCATION EXPENSES, A LOT OF TIME WHAT THEY ARE CALLING AS ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.

SOMEONE SAID THE FORMER GOVERNOR WAS SAYING WE HAVE GOT TO PUT MORE OF THE MONEY INTO THE CLASSROOM.

WHAT'S IN THE CLASSROOM MEAN?

DOES IT MEAN THE LIBRARY AND SCIENCE TEACHERS AND EVERYTHING ELSE, THEY DON'T COME BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT IN THE CLASSROOM?

SCHOOLS ARE BEING ASKED TO DO SO MUCH MORE THAN EDUCATE, AND IF THEY DON'T DO OTHER THINGS, IT MEANS THEY DON'T GET AN EDUCATION.

I'M LOOKING AT OTHER SCHOOLS WHO AREN'T IN SCHOOL RIGHT NOW BECAUSE KIDS ARE UNDERFED.

HOW MANY KIDS WE HAVE THAT DON'T GET ENOUGH FOOD.

ALL OF THOSE EXPENSES ARE NOT ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES, AND THEY ARE NOT CLASSROOM TEACHING, BUT THEY ARE VERY IMPORTANT, HAVING SCHOOL COUNSELORS AND SOCIAL WORKERS, AND I WISH WE DIDN'T NEED THEM BUT WE DO NEED THEM.

MY GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE 100% OF EVERY DOLLAR WE SPEND ON EDUCATION IS WELL SPENT AND IF IT'S IN TEACHING, IT'S ONE THING OR ONE THAT LOST A PARENT OR ANOTHER TRAGEDY, IT SEEMS WE HAVE TO ADDRESS ALL OF THOSE ISSUES TOGETHER.

I DON'T SEE THE HUGE ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE ISSUE THE SAME WAY THE CALLER MAY HAVE.

BUT IT IS AN ISSUE TO WATCH.

LET'S MAKE SURE WE RECOGNIZE NOT EVERYTHING THAT'S NOT CLASSROOM IS NOT ADMINISTRATIVE.

>> Barry: SENATOR HOWE?

>> YOU KNOW, I THINK IT'S AN INTERESTING QUESTION, BECAUSE YOU SEE A LOT OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT HAVE GROWN OVER TIME.

A LOT OF CONSOLIDATION, AND WE ALL THOUGHT THAT WE WOULD CUT ADMINISTRATION COSTS WHEN WE CONSOLIDATED.

I THINK THAT THAT -- WE REACHED A POINT OF DIMINISHING RETURNS, AND I THINK ACTUALLY WE HAVE GROWN A LOT OF ADMINISTRATION WITH OUR CONSOLIDATIONS, AND I ACTUALLY THINK SMALLER PROBABLY IS BETTER.

BUT I WILL SAY MY BIG CONCERN IS PEOPLE THAT -- CHILDREN THAT COME FROM FINANCIALLY DEPRESSED HOMES ARE THE ONES THAT ARE IN TROUBLE, AND IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE IF THEY ARE MINNEAPOLIS OR IF THEY ARE IN A LITTLE TOWN WHERE I CAME FROM OR BLACKDUCK OR WHEREVER IT IS, IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE MONEY IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO DO WELL IN SCHOOL, BECAUSE IF YOU COME FROM AN AFFLUENT FAMILY AND YOU ARE NOT DOING WELL, THEY WILL JUST HIRE A TUTOR.

THEY ARE GOING TO DO WELL.

WHEN YOU COME FROM AN ECONOMICALLY DEPRESSED FAMILY, YOU DON'T GET THOSE OPPORTUNITIES, AND WE HAVE GOT TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO LEVEL THAT PLAYING FIELD, AND IF YOU GO TO A SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT'S NOT DOING VERY WELL AND YOU DON'T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO A CHARTER SCHOOL, DON'T HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO A PRIVATE SCHOOL, WE NEED TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GIVE THOSE OPPORTUNITIES TO THOSE CHILDREN SO THEY GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED.

THAT'S WHERE IT'S ALL ABOUT.

EDUCATION IS AN OPPORTUNITY MULTIPLIER.

THAT'S WHAT IT DOES FOR A PERSON, AND IF YOU CAN READ, WRITE, AND DO MATH, YOU CAN SUCCEED IN THIS WORLD.

BUT WE ARE FAILING OUR CHILDREN IN THOSE BASIC THINGS TO EVEN GIVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND EXCEL LATER IN LIFE.

THAT'S ONE THING WE HAVE GOT TO CONCENTRATE ON, AND I AGREE WITH THE CALLER.

THERE'S A LOT OF ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OUT THERE THAT I THINK WITH ALL THE CONSOLIDATION AND GROWTH OF OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM HAS BEEN LOST IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE EFFORTS.

>> I WANT TO AGREE PART OF WHAT JEFF IS SAYING ABOUT THE DISPARITIES BETWEEN KIDS, AND THE COVID CRISIS HAS MADE THAT FAR WORSE.

WE ARE FINDING OUT PART OF THAT IS BROADBAND ACCESS TO PEOPLE, GREATER MINNESOTA COMMUNITIES, AND THE COMMUNITY DOESN'T HAVE BROADBAND, AND KIDS ARE HAVING TROUBLE.

SOME KIDS IN MINNEAPOLIS, THE FAMILIES DON'T HAVE INTERNET ACCESS IN THE HOME.

IT'S HITTING LOW INCOME KIDS AND LOW INCOME COMMUNITIES OR IN SOME CASES SMALL RURAL COMMUNITIES ARE HAVING FAR GREATER DISPARITIES, AND THE DISPARITIES IN EDUCATION ARE WORSE HERE THAN MOST OTHER STATES.

WE HAVE TO ADDRESS THAT.

>> Barry: SENATOR MARTY, YOU TOUCHED ON AN ISSUE THERE, AND WE ACTUALLY HAVE A CALLER WHO IS CONCERNED ABOUT INTERNET ACCESS IN RURAL AREAS.

WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT THAT?

IT'S A COMPLICATED TOPIC BECAUSE SOME EFFORTS THAT HAVE BEEN ROLLED OUT IN RECENT YEARS HAVEN'T WORKED WELL AS ONE WOULD LIKE, AND THERE ARE INTERESTING THINGS GOING ON IN THE CUTTING EDGE AREA OF INTERNET ACCESS, AND BY THAT I MEAN THE SPACEX EFFORT TO SUPPLY INTERNET ACCESS VIA THE STARLING PROGRAM, AND THERE'S A LOT HAPPENING HERE, BUT THE QUESTION IS HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET PEOPLE ON THE GROUND?

SINCE YOU INTRODUCED THE QUESTION LET ME GO TO YOU, AND WE WILL RUN THE TABLE ON THIS ONE.

SENATOR MARTY.

>> REPRESENTATIVE ECKLUND HE HAS INTRODUCED A BILL ON THIS AS WELL.

WE OUGHT TO HAVE STATEWIDE BROADBAND AND A LOT OF THE PRIVATE PROVIDERS DON'T HAVE THE FINANCIAL WHEREWITHAL TO DO IT IN THE COMMUNITY WHERE THEY HAVE TO STRETCH SO MANY MILES OF ACCESS TO A SMALL NUMBER OF PEOPLE.

IT DOESN'T PAY FOR ITSELF, AND WE NEED GRANTS TO DO THAT.

IT'S BEEN A BIPARTISAN EFFORT.

WE HAVE TO DO THIS.

THAT'S AN AREA, AND MY CONSTITUENTS AREN'T AFFECTED THAT SAME WAY.

BUT IT'S SOMETHING WE OWE EVERY PART OF THE STATE.

IT'S ONE OF THE BEST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THINGS WE CAN DO, ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS WE NEED FOR EDUCATION RIGHT NOW AS WELL.

>> Barry: SENATOR HOWE QUICKLY.

>> IT COMES FROM OUR AREA.

I WILL TELL YOU WHAT.

I JUST GOT BSL.

THERE'S A CELL PHONE TOWER THAT I CAN SEE FROM MY LIVING ROOM WINDOW HERE, AND IT'S GOT FIBER TO IT.

IT HAS TO HAVE FIBER TO IT.

IT'S WITHIN 400 FEET, AND I CAN'T TOUCH IT.

SO IT'S AMAZING HOW WE NEED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, AND IT'S VERY TROUBLESOME.

I HAVE GOT -- NOW PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING WHETHER TO BUY A HOME OR NOT WHETHER IT'S GOT BROADBAND ACCESS.

WE HAVE GOT A NUMBER OF BUSINESSES OUT THERE THAT ARE STRUGGLING AND ESPECIALLY WITH US WORKING FROM HOME AND HAVING HOME -- YOUR HOME BUSINESS, IT IS PROBLEMATIC AND IT'S SOMETHING THAT I AGREE IS JUST AS -- IT'S JUST LIKE RURAL ELECTRIC YEARS AGO.

WE NEED TO FIX THE PROBLEM.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE FEIST?

>> I WOULD JUST AGREE, AND I HEARD SOMEONE SAY ONCE THE HEALTH OF A DEMOCRACY CAN BE SEEN WHEN PEOPLE CAN GET TOGETHER AND AGREE TO INVEST IN LONG-TERM INFRASTRUCTURE, AND THIS SEEMS LIKE ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT WE NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE THIS INVESTMENT AND THAT IT WILL SHOW THAT WE ARE FUNCTIONING DEMOCRACY, WHICH IS ALSO A GOOD THING.

I THINK THIS IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT AND JUST AGREE.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE RASMUSSON.

>> I AGREE WITH MY COLLEAGUES.

GETTING INTERNET TO ALL MINNESOTA IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT.

ONE SILVER LINING THAT WE MAY HAVE COVID AS MORE REMOTE JOBS, AND I HOPE THAT IS AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR GREATER MINNESOTA, ESPECIALLY IN AREAS LIKE MINE.

WE HAVE A THOUSAND LAKES IN OTTERTAIL COUNTY.

IT'S A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, LOWER COST OF LIVING.

IF WE GET BROADBAND RIGHT, WE CAN ATTRACT HIGH PAYING PROFESSIONAL JOBS OUT TO GREATER MINNESOTA AND ATTRACT PEOPLE WITH THE QUALITY OF LIFE THAT WE HAVE.

I'M SUPPORTIVE OF IT.

>> Barry: ALSO NOTE THAT A VIEWER F AGREES WITH.

WE HAVE A VIEWER WHO IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE COST OF INSULIN DIABETES.

THAT WAS A TOPIC OF HOT DISCUSSION OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS.

WE MADE SOME PROGRESS IN THAT AREA, IF I RECALL CORRECTLY, BUT LET'S START WITH YOU, SENATOR HOWE.

THIS VIEWER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THAT AND WONDERING WHAT, IF ANYTHING, THE STATE IS GOING TO DO ABOUT THAT.

>> I THOUGHT WE DID A GOOD JOB OF ADDRESSING IT.

I KNOW THERE'S MORE WORK TO BE DONE THERE.

WE DROPPED THE BUSINESSES AND INSULIN PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES DROPPED THE CLOQUET, AND I KNOW I'M GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE HELP BECAUSE I DON'T RECALL.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ISN'T MY STRONG SUIT.

BUT I KNOW WE WERE TRYING TO ADDRESS SOME OF THAT.

I HAVE GOT CONSTITUENTS THAT STILL HAVE ISSUES WITH TRYING TO MAKE THE CHOICE OF WHETHER -- WHICH INSULIN THAT THEY CAN TAKE.

IT'S NOT AN EASY ANSWER.

WE HAVE GOT TO FIND A SOLUTION TO IT.

I'M SURPRISED IT ISN'T A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION.

WE HAVEN'T HEARD ABOUT IT SINCE WE PASSED THOSE BILLS LAST YEAR OR THE YEAR BEFORE WE PASSED THOSE.

>> Barry: SENATOR MARTY.

>> YES, WE DID PASS A BILL AND THE INDUSTRY, WHICH WAS VERY SILENT ABOUT IT, THEY DIDN'T LIKE IT, BUT IT WAS THE VERSION, THE SENATE VERSION WAS THE ONE THAT THEY OBJECTED TO LAST.

IT KIND OF LEAD TO THE AUTHOR OF SENATOR JENSON, WHO IS NO LONGER IN THE SENATE, HE FELT THEY HAD AN AGREEMENT AND THEY SUED TO THROW IT OUT THE DAY IT TOOK EFFECT.

I HAVE REAL PROBLEMS WITH -- INSULIN IS NOT A NEW DRUG.

THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY IS FINDING OUT WE CAN MAKE MONEY OFF SOMEBODY ELSE'S MISERY BECAUSE INSULIN IS AS IMPORTANT TO A DIABETIC AS OXYGEN IS TO ME.

I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IT AND YOU NEED IT RIGHT AWAY WHEN YOU NEED IT.

WE ARE BASICALLY PUTTING HUGE PRICES ON PEOPLE'S LIVES, AND THERE HAVE BEEN A COUPLE OF MINNESOTANS THAT WE KNOW OF WHO LOST THEIR LIVES BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T AFFORD INSULIN.

I THINK IT GETS TO BROADER HEALTH REFORM ISSUES THAT WE HAVE TO GET TO.

BUT WE ARE THE ONE INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRY ON THE PLANET THAT DIED FROM LACK OF HEALTHCARE.

WE SPENT TWICE AS MUCH ON HEALTHCARE AS ANY COUNTRY AND 10 EXCEPTIONS SPENT FAR LESS THAN US, AND WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT CAN'T GET HEALTHCARE.

THE FACT THAT PEOPLE DIE FROM LACK OF DIABETES IS SHAMEFUL.

I WAS STRONGLY SUPPORTIVE OF PASSING INSULIN LEGISLATION BUT I THINK IT'S A STOPGAP TO TOTAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICE REFORM, TOO.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE FEIST.

>> TO ECHO SENATOR MARTY, WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE HERE.

WITH THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM THAT IS SO COMPLEX AND WE HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE OUT, I HAVE VERY SEVERE ASTHMA AND I TAKE ADAV.

TAKE ADVAIR.IT'S NO WAY TO LIVE.

IT'S HOLDING BACK PEOPLE FROM THEIR FULL POTENTIAL, AND IN A COUNTRY THAT IS SO WELL OFF, WE SHOULD NOT HAVE PEOPLE THAT CAN'T AFFORD THE DRUGS THAT THEY NEED TO LIVE THEIR FULL LIVES.

I ATTENDED AN EVENT THAT SENATOR MARTY SPOKE AT WHEN I WAS RUNNING FOR OFFICE, AND I WAS VERY INSPIRED TO FOLLOW HIS LEAD AND LOOK AT HOW WE CAN REFORM THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM TO MAKE IT MAKE SENSE AND MAKE SURE EVERYONE HAS THE HEALTHCARE THEY NEED SO THEY DON'T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE DRUGS THEY NEED TO LIVE AND WHETHER THEY CAN PAY RENT.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE RASMUSSON.

>> I HEARD ABOUT COST OF INSULIN FROM A LOT OF CONSTITUENTS AND OUT ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL.

I HEARD MORE ABOUT PRESCRIPTION DRUGS MORE BROADLY, AND CONSUMERS, YOU KNOW, MY CONSTITUENTS ARE FRUSTRATED WITH INCREASES IN PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND OFTENTIMES HAVE HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLANS AND THEY ARE PAYING IT OUT OF POCKET AND MORE FRUSTRATED WHEN THEY WALK UP TO THE PHARMACIST COUNTER AND THEY TELL THEM THE CASH PRICES IS MUCH LOWER, AND SO ONE ITEM I WOULD LIKE TO WORK ON IS INSURANCE, AND I THINK WE OWE IT TO CONSUMERS ESPECIALLY AS WE HAVE MORE HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLANS AND CAN HOPEFULLY EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT ARE AS COST EFFECTIVE TO THEIR FAMILIES AS POSSIBLE, AND I DO THINK WE WOULD HAVE TO BE REALLY CAREFUL, THOUGH, ABOUT SAYING WE ARE GOING TO TAKE ALL THE HEALTHCARE PROBLEMS WE FACE AND JUST HAND IT OVER TO STATE GOVERNMENT OR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO FIX IT.

WITH CHALLENGES THAT OUR STATE AGENCIES CURRENTLY HAVE, IT'S GOING TO BE A LOT TO ASK TO RUN A HEALTHCARE SYSTEM THROUGH THE STATE AND I THINK WE CAN WORK WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO DRIVE DOWN COSTS AND PROVIDE MORE TRANSPARENCY TO PATIENTS.

>> Barry: WELL, WITH THAT QUESTION, WE HAVE LITERALLY RUN OUT OF TIME.

I WANT TO THANK OUR VIEWERS FOR THE PARTICIPATION TONIGHT.

WE RECEIVED A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT I WOULD CALL FEDERAL ISSUES, MIDDLE EAST AND OTHER PLACES.

THOSE ARE INTERESTING QUESTIONS, AND OUR PANEL IS NOT AIMED AT ADDRESSING THOSE.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO QUESTIONS FROM OUR VIEWERS NEXT WEEK AND THE WEEKS THAT FOLLOW ON ISSUES THAT ARE OF CONCERN TO ALL OF MINNESOTA.

I WANT TO THANK OUR PANEL THIS EVENING AND I WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU WHO PARTICIPATED WITH THE PROGRAM AND I WANT TO INVITE ALL OF YOU TO RETURN NEXT WEEK AND EACH THURSDAY EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING SEVERAL MONTHS UNTIL THE LEGISLATURE GOES HOME, WHENEVER THAT MIGHT BE.

THANK YOU ALL AND GOOD NIGHT.

>> THERE'S MUCH MORE ABOUT "YOUR LEGISLATORS" ONLINE AT PIONEER.ORG/"YOUR LEGISLATORS".

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM, WHO HAS BEEN A GUEST AND WATCH PAST EPISODES AND DISCUSSIONS BY TOPIC.

TO CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK.

"YOUR LEGISLATORS" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY THE GENEROUS FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE MINNESOTA CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION FROM DEVELOPING BEST PRACTICES THAT HELP FARMERS BETTER PROTECT OUR NATURAL RESOURCES TO THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN CORN BASED PLASTICS, MINNESOTA CORN FARMERS ARE PROUD TO INVEST IN THIRD PARTY RESEARCH LEADING TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT BY MINNESOTA FARMERS UNION, STANDING FOR AGRICULTURE, WORKING FOR FARMERS ON THE WEB AT MFU.ORG.

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