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| Investing in Chisago County’s future |
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| Wednesday, 06 February 2008 | |
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Rep. Jeremy Kalin Guest Columnist The 2008 legislative session convenes on Tuesday, Feb. 12. With the slowed economy and the projected budget shortfall, I will continue to focus on investing in the short-term and long-term health of our economy. As I’ve written before, the most successful social program we’ve ever had in Minnesota is a living-wage job. Growing and strengthening Minnesota’s job picture will be my first priority this session. Because we were fiscally responsible in 2007 and ended the session with money left on the bottom line, the state should be able to handle a small budget shortfall. However, if the February state budget forecast shows a deeper deficit, we will have to look at option beyond the rainy-day fund. I will write more when the forecast is released in a few weeks. Traditionally, in even-numbered years the legislature is focused on passing a bonding bill, to fund long-term investments like construction projects and major public lands purchases. The bonding bill this year should be approximately $950 million. I am supporting several Chisago County projects up for funding this year. The most urgent transportation need in Chisago County is securing state funding for the North Branch Bridge. Last year, the House came within three votes of overriding veto of the transportation bill, which included funding for the North Branch bridge. It appears that North Branch bridge funding will again be in the transportation bill, but I will make every effort to secure funding through any appropriate avenue. The Highway 8 project in Lindstrom includes a new bridge, connecting North and South Lindstrom Lakes. I am introducing a bill to secure state funding to upgrade the channel between the two lakes, and allow for safer boat access similar to the Center City channel. Another great opportunity has arisen in Chisago City. The Trust for Public Land has signed a purchase agreement to buy Camp Ojiketa and preserve it as a Regional Park. This land on Green Lake is a true gem, and needs to be preserved. The Trust for Public Land is working hard to pull together a partnership of city, county and state grants and funds. I’ve already drafted a bill to secure state bonding to preserve Camp Ojiketa, and several senior legislators on both sides of the aisle have expressed real interest. I am very optimistic. Several local communities have asked for help with their wastewater facilities, and I am supporting their requests. These communities are Rush City, Amador Township and Shafer. As the session proceeds, I will keep you updated on progress on these issues and many others. In the coming weeks, look for my 2008 Legislative Survey, and I will soon be announcing the dates of Town Hall Forums, including at least one with Sen. Rick Olseen. I think 2008 looks to be a promising year for Chisago County at the State Capitol. Jeremy Kalin lives in Chisago Lake Township and represents House District 17B. He can be reached at 651-296-5377, or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Social Bookmarking ...       |
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