The Republican "A New Direction For a Better Tomorrow" tour made a whistle stop at the Austin Public Library Friday to announce new initiatives for the 2001 legislative season.

Saturday, September 23, 2000

The Republican "A New Direction For a Better Tomorrow" tour made a whistle stop at the Austin Public Library Friday to announce new initiatives for the 2001 legislative season.

Senate Republican leader Dick Day (R-Owatonna) was joined by Senate District 27 challenger Grace Schwab at the podium.

"I think a lot of people believe Minnesota is a great place to live," Day said. "I know I do, but there are things we can improve on. Minnesota continues to be one of the highest taxed states in the nation. We have a criminal justice system that’s too lenient. Our schools are hampered by state mandates and an inequitable funding formula."

Day outlined the Republicans proposals for correcting these and other problems, and took a few shots at incumbent State Senator Pat Piper in the process.

"I authored a bill last year that would have given 500,000 seniors an instant 20 to 40 percent reduction in drug costs," Day said. "The senator that now represents your district voted against that proposal. Now she’s out there saying we need to do something about drug costs – that’s all lip service. She didn’t do it when she had the chance."

He introduced Schwab, who is three term member of the Albert Lea school board, a parent and an active member of the Albert Lea community, as "the next senator for your district.

"The reason she’ll be the next senator is because she understands the district," Day added, "not like the present senator that understands downtown Minneapolis."

Schwab avoided any direct comparisons to Piper in her speech, preferring to focus on her support for the Republican stances on more local control and more equitable funding for education, getting rid of the "sick tax" on healthcare providers that funds the Minnesota Care insurance program and returning surplus taxes to the people who paid them.

"The current system is like being first in line at McDonalds, overpaying for your meal and the person behind you getting your change," Schwab said. "The person first in line should get his or her money back.

"I offer a positive attitude and real solutions to real problems," she added. "I will always put the needs of the community first."

On the subject of any legislative help for the reoccurring flood problems in our region of the state, Day said he would support state assistance for any proactive solutions.

"We have to start building riverbanks," he said. "I know Rochester did something like that, and our caucus would be for something like that. There has to be something done."

Schwab, while supportive, said the decision would have to start in Austin first.

"Austin would have to decide how they want to proceed," she said. "The state should be willing to partner in that. A proactive approach from the community would be a good thing."

Other items on the Republican agenda include the following:

— Making the Profile of Learning optional for school districts.

— Increasing penalties for first- and second-degree sex offenders from 12 to 30 years.

— Making the fourth DWI offense within 10 years a felony.

— A 5 percent across-the-board income tax cut.

— Constitutionally dedicating 50 percent of the Motor Vehicle Excise taxes to the highway fund for state roads and bridges.

— Stopping any future expansion of light rail transit.

— Stopping the government from selling residents personal information for commercial purposes.