My Point of View by Angie Hoffman

 

I have a confession to make.  Although U.S. and world politics have fascinated me since the ’08 election cycle, I’ve paid little attention to Minnesota state politics until relatively recently. This is a mistake I would encourage others not to make. 

In February 2019 I left my longtime independent status behind to actively join the Freeborn County Republican Party, where I was warmly welcomed. My motivation was to support our president, and it still largely is. Since then, however, I have been introduced to the Minnesota political world, and its importance cannot be overstated. Not only do state policies affect our area more directly than federal policies, you and I have a larger voice and opportunity to make a difference on a state level. 

For those not familiar, the Democrats currently control the Minnesota House of Representatives and Republicans control the Minnesota Senate, mirroring the present U.S. Congress. Because our governor is a Democrat, this means the Minnesota Senate is essentially the only thing preventing extreme and harmful progressive policies from becoming state law. If Republicans had lost control of the Senate in 2018, we might be looking at a very different Minnesota right now. Let’s take a quick look at some of the policies Democrats in the Minnesota Legislature have recently advocated for:

• A $12 billion tax increase over the next four years, despite having a billion in surplus from overtaxation and Minnesota already being among the top most taxed states in the nation.

• As part of that increase, a 70% gas tax hike, which would give Minnesota one of the highest gas taxes in the nation.

• Turning Minnesota into a sanctuary state, undermining our rule of law which is foundational to community safety.

• A “red flag” gun law, allowing Second Amendment rights to be violated by potentially false accusations and without due process.

• Making it a petty misdemeanor for restaurants to hand out plastic straws unless first requested by the customer.

• Subsidizing frivolous items such as home saunas. 

• Giving driver’s licenses to people who are here illegally.

• Granting even more state student aid to students who are non-citizens compared to those who are citizens.

• Implementing ONECare, pushing us closer to a government takeover of health care while harming or even putting out of business our rural providers.

• The “Minnesota Green New Deal,” which would substantially increase our power bills and provide unreliable energy during times of extreme cold weather.

• Mandated comprehensive sex education beginning as early as kindergarten, limiting authority of parents and local school boards on the matter. Planned Parenthood applauds this bill and appears to be involved in the creation of it. The potential content to be shared with students would be disturbing to many.

If these values do not match your own, I invite you to actively support our District 27A state representative, Peggy Bennett, who works diligently to bring common sense back to Minnesota policies, and to support a conservative candidate for the District 27 Minnesota state Senate seat such as Gene Dornink, who is campaigning for the Republican endorsement.    

In addition, consider joining an upcoming meeting with the Freeborn County Republican Party. We meet the second Monday of every month at 5 p.m. at 212 S. Broadway Ave. in Albert Lea. Finally, come out to caucus with us on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at Southwest Middle School in Albert Lea.

The 2020 election is an unprecedented opportunity for Greater Minnesota to take back our state from extremists. It is crucially important for us to know what is happening and to make our voices heard. Don’t be like I was. Too many good people not paying attention is how our state became hijacked by questionable agendas in the first place. You don’t need to be a civics expert to start, just jump in and join us. We can make Minnesota great again!

Angie Hoffman is a member of the Freeborn County Republican Party.