This session, the primary task of the state Legislature will be to balance our budget to address a historic deficit. As of now, our state is close to $5 billion in the red; according to the Governor, this number could climb as high as $7 billion when the February forecast is released on March 3. Without a doubt, every Minnesotan will feel the effects of this deficit. The questions we have to ask ourselves as we move forward are, first, what are we willing to give up, and second, what are we willing to do to keep what we want?

As is required by law, the Governor began the budget process by submitting his proposal to the legislature for consideration. We are now in the process of examining his budget more closely, with the various finance committees taking an especially close look at where he is making cuts and generating revenue. As I’ve noted before, about half of the Governor’s budget is based on cuts, which indicates he recognizes we can’t address this deficit with cuts alone. The rest he makes up with an education shift and a 20-year loan on future state revenue. While I may not necessarily agree with some of the specifics in his budget plan, I understand there are difficult choices ahead for all of us — every option must be on the table.

One of the options I’ve proposed is legislation to legalize video pull-tabs for organizations that offer charitable gambling. I’ve been approached by local service clubs who have seen their earnings decline as a result of the Diamond Jo Casino opening in Iowa. As a result, they are unable to continue many of the charitable activities our community has come to rely on. If this bill passes, I’m optimistic they will have an improved opportunity to compete, and as a result, have increased revenues. Senator Sparks will be carrying the bill in the Senate.

On Thursday, we debated and passed the 2009-10 Permanent House Rules. Passage of this legislation marks the end of a two-year effort to make House policies and rules more effective, efficient and transparent. Some of the reforms passed include more closely aligning House and Senate committees to facilitate greater cooperation, making it easier for the public to track legislation by posting them electronically, encouraging House committees to hold more hearings throughout the state, and implementing a House floor management process that provides more structure and efficiencies to the debate. Even though Minnesota has one of the largest legislative bodies in the country, up until now it was one of only seven that did not have time management rules.

Next week, a bipartisan group of representatives and senators will hold a town hall meeting in Albert Lea. This is one in a series of meetings being held across the state in order to get suggestions and feedback from the people of Minnesota on how they would like to see the deficit addressed.

I hope you will consider joining us on 10 a.m. Feb. 20. at the Albert Lea City Hall Council Chambers.

If you would like to testify at this hearing, you can sign up by visiting the House Web site at www.house.mn and clicking on the town hall link. You can also contact me at (651) 296- 8216 or by email at rep.robin.brown@house.mn. The decisions we make over the coming weeks will have a lasting impact. Please join us to share your ideas on the future of Minnesota.

Robin Brown, DFL-Moscow Township, is the state representative for District 27A.