Local Legislators Hold Town Hall Meeting

The three Eagan District 38 legislators held their first joint public Town Hall meeting Monday night at the .

Sen. Ted Daley (R), Rep. Doug Wardlow (R-District 38B) and Rep. Diane Anderson (R-District 38A) each gave a brief introduction and were available to answer citizens' questions during the question and answer portion of the meeting.

The legislators discussed the $14 trillion in federal debt. Daley said the federal debt is important to know about since over one third of what the state of Minnesota will spend is going to come from the federal budget.

All of the legislators discussed several reforms in bills they've been working on, and different aspects of the Omnibus state budget bills.

Anderson said the state of Minnesota has had an increase in revenue this year, compared to last year.

"That is really good; many states have had a decrease in revenue," Anderson said.

Questions that came from the audience included topics on homelessness, the education system and achievement gap, jobs (both the lack of and how to bring more enterprises to Minnesota), veterans, health care and the accountability of HMO insurance plans, and taxes.

Concerning jobs, Anderson said, "We need to do things to promote jobs to stay here."

When one citizen asked, "Why don't we privatize everything?" Wardlow explained how there are "some things the government must do," and provided examples.

When asked about the accountability of HMO's, citizens were informed about county-based purchasing and reforming Minnesota Care.

Anderson told the crowd that the state will not be cutting any funding homeless shelters. She added that the state will be maintaining the funding and will continue to provide quality services.

Daley thanked teachers several times while addressing the issues surrounding achievement gaps in districts throughout the state.

"We need to help teachers," Daley said. "Let us not fall prey to the bigotry of low expectation."

He said obtaining and keeping quality teachers is very important, and that teachers are the No. 1 influence on children's academic performance. He added, "[We have to find a way] to keep good teachers around. We are trying to change the system so kids are No. 1."