Holding Pattern
The Senate has been in a bit of a holding pattern these past few weeks. After busting out of the chute with a very busy start the session, we have been patiently waiting for the House to finish up some important tax and finance bills. Only a few weeks remain to work out a compromise with the Governor and the House to find a solution to the $935 million deficit. The conference committees are also working on a variety of bills, including health care reform, hoping to find a compromise between House and Senate versions and something the Governor will sign. I do not currently serve on a conference committee which typically go to Senior members, committee chairs, or those members who have a controversial bill in play.
In the meantime I have had a little extra time to get out and about in the district. I traveled to Gaylord last week for Sibley County’s annual meeting. There were over 70 persons in attendance, on a Friday night, representing most of the townships in the county. I also spent part of another morning visiting with the LeSuer County commissioners in LeCenter. They were appreciative of the passing of the transportation bill earlier in the session, but still have concerns about property taxes and overall revenue. Tonight I just returned from an informational meeting in New Prague regarding their proposed Waste Water Treatment facility due to go online in 2010.
I always enjoy visiting with local officials and I am always impressed with the wide variety of problems and concerns they deal with on a regular basis. It also provides a chance for me to learn from those who are most knowledgeable about those issues.
