Column: Capitol Conversations, by Rich Murray

As expected, lawmakers wasted no time getting down to business once the 2012 Legislative Session began on Jan. 24. With a three month session scheduled, and a comprehensive jobs and reform package to assemble and approve, committees are meeting regularly and debate on many proposals is taking place.

One of the highlights of the first session week was the One Minnesota 2012 conference that took place at the University of Minnesota. This gathering served as an opportunity for representatives and senators, Republicans and Democrats, to hear from local and national speakers, then share their thoughts on how to move Minnesota forward with a focus on efficiency and the effective use of resources.

I thought the forum was an excellent idea. There were more than a dozen speakers who shared thoughts and ideas and a wide range of topics. It was interesting to listen to a roundtable of the Minnesota Private College Council President, the University of Minnesota President, and the MNSCU Chancellor discuss how they’ve attempted to do more with less funding, and tell lawmakers directly about their mission and how they’re meeting their goals.

I also enjoyed listening to Minnesota Gophers football coach Jerry Kill talk about how he conducts his program. While the success of the squad is a top priority, it’s not his only one. Kill discussed the importance of the team’s success, not only on the football field but in the classroom. He also mentioned that he tries to get his players to focus on the big picture of life, not just the final score of the latest football game.

To me the comparison translated to politics as well. Too often, the players on both sides at the Capitol tend to focus on what’s the best result for their team, as opposed to what might be the best result for the state. Kill’s big picture reminder is something I plan to think about often as session moves forward.

Overall, I thought the One Minnesota 2012 conference was a great success. Lawmakers did not focus on red or blue issues; they simply shared ideas without pressure — which is always a welcome sight.

 

Please attend your precinct caucus

As you know, this is an election year, and campaigns for statewide office are beginning to get underway. I would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of local citizens participating in precinct caucuses — the first step in Minnesota’s political process.

At precinct caucuses, local citizens begin the process of selecting candidates and issues to be supported by the political party you support in the upcoming elections. This year, precinct caucuses will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 7 throughout the state.

These meetings provide Minnesotans the opportunity to be more informed and involved with their respective political parties. People in attendance at the precinct caucuses participate in the election of delegates and alternates (they may even be elected themselves!), discussion of issues, election of local party leadership and have a voice in determining their party’s nominee for the president.

It is important that local citizens voice their opinions during the discussion of issues because many of the subjects discussed eventually lead to the platforms of Minnesota’s political parties.

To participate and vote in a political party’s caucus, you must be eligible to vote on Nov. 6, 2012. For further information on the location of caucuses or other questions, call your political party headquarters or visit http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us/.

Please make time to attend your respective political party’s precinct caucus on Feb. 7. Remember, your voice is an essential part of what our government and your political party stands for.

 

Small business caucus moves forward

Not long ago, I told you about the small business caucus, a bipartisan group of lawmakers who have a goal of improving the business climate in Minnesota.

We’ve been meeting weekly and are working on a number of different issues, including enhancing the angel investment credit, which matches start-up businesses with people looking to invest their money; lowering taxes for businesses so more money can be spent on wages and employing new people; and establishing a limited moratorium on state rule-making and regulations.

I feel this bipartisan group can and will make a difference at the Capitol this year, and ultimately, will craft legislation that will put more Minnesotans back to work.

I am honored to be in this role and look forward to hearing from you.

 

Rich Murray, R-Albert Lea, is the state representative for House District 27A.