DFLers take credit for legislative action

Published 12:00 am Monday, May 22, 2000

Last week, it was a trio of Republicans taking credit for tax cuts, helping education and finding transportation needs.

Monday, May 22, 2000

Last week, it was a trio of Republicans taking credit for tax cuts, helping education and finding transportation needs.

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This week, it’s the Democrats’ turn.

One of them said before Minnesotans believe any party’s claims about the 2000 legislative session, they should check for fingerprints.

"When they look closely at what was done, they will see the fingerprints of the DFL Party on that legislation," House Speaker Tom Pugh said.

A week ago, the House GOP caucus sent state Reps. William Kuisle, Linda Boudreau and Greg Davids to Austin and the trio took credit for another rebate, tax cuts and aid to education and transportation.

Now, state Rep. Pugh offers the DFL’s version of the credit-taking.

According to Pugh, Minnesota’s families are the big winners in the 2000 legislative session, benefiting from a balanced approach to using the state budget surplus that addressed family needs for education and health care as well as tax relief.

"When this session began, House Democrats pledged to fight for all the things Minnesota families need in contrast to the sterile, one-note message of tax cuts that Republicans wanted," Pugh said.

"Today, with the most-grueling session ever in the books, we can be proud of new investments in education and natural resources, of help for nursing homes and seniors facing high prescription drug costs, of a large sales tax rebate and a balanced highway construction budget," the House DFL leader said.

"Because of the Democrats, this session was a success for Minnesota’s families," Pugh said.

More than $1 billion will be returned to taxpayers in the next year alone because of a new sales tax rebate, permanent income tax cuts and lower vehicle tab fees, according to Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe.

"We heard from Minnesotans and met their most pressing needs by delivering substantial tax and fee cuts, another sales tax rebate and strategic investments in education, health care, natural resources and statewide transportation needs," Moe said.

"We accomplished what we set out to do and it’s evident that Minnesota citizens will benefit," the House majority speaker said.

According to Pugh, the single-greatest victory this session was in education.

The education bill will help schools all over the state avoid cutting classes and programs, reduce class sizes, bring new technology into the classroom, increase teacher training and provide additional resources for special education and vocational education," the South St. Paul DFLer said.

Piper, Leighton comments

State Sen. Pat Piper (DFL-Austin) was happy nursing homes will receive more funding.

"Our nursing homes provide very special care for our relatives and friends who no longer live alone," Piper said. "And to those of us who frequently visit the nursing homes, it is obvious that the workers provide valuable care."

During the 1999 session, $9.75 million was appropriated to be used by July 1 this year for a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment for nursing home staff. Now, an additional $9.75 million was appropriated in the 2000 legislative session to increase the adjustment by another 3 percent.

The estimated infusion of new money for Mower County nursing homes will be:

– Comforcare Good Samaritan Center, $35,382.

– Burr Oak, $79,092.

– Sacred Heart Care Center, $34,007.

– Adams Health Care Center, $58,941.

– St. Mark’s Lutheran Home, $103,673.

Piper also was happy that rural technology needs did not go ignored this year.

"There are essentially three significant proposals that passed," Piper said.

They include $1 million in catalyst grants to local governments and Indian tribal governments to expend Internet access; $200,000 for Minnesota Inc. for an E-business institute to help businesses, individuals and communities in greater Minnesota become technologically competitive; and authority to the Job Skills Partnership Board to make grants for distance-work projects.

State Rep. Rob Leighton (DFL-Austin) said the "balanced approach" to tax cuts and "strategic investments" in education and transportation were exactly what the DFLer "worked for this session."

So, who’s to credit?

If there is one criticism to surface it is over $900 million in new spending that was approved, but only about half the surplus returned to taxpayers.

Pugh and Moe both said Democrats listened to Minnesotans on this matter and they wanted the surplus to be used to give their children and grandchildren a better education.

"The parents of Minnesotans are concerned about their kids," Pugh said. "They know we have 10,000 kids learning in temporary trailer classrooms. They know that two out of three school districts are cutting programs. They know that their kids don’t have access to up-to-date books or computers. And they want the state to address those concerns. I’m proud to say the Legislature responded to that urgent priority."

Pugh does lament very little was done for the state’s farmers.

Moe is disappointed House Republicans refused to consider a Senate-passed package of personal privacy protection.

And as far as who can take credit, Pugh said fingerprints on the tax cuts, rebate, transportation and education initiatives of the DFL are all the proof citizens need.