MN Legislators Say There is More Work Ahead

by Vanessa Peng, KVRR Reporter
June 19, 2012


"When we went in I thought the one side should refrain from any spending and the other should refrain from cutting revenues.  End result was we didn't do either and I think that was the right way to end it, " said State Senator Keith Langseth.  
 
Minnesota legislators Keith Langseth, Morrie Lanning and Paul Marquart spoke at the Clay County Commission meeting about the recently completed legislative session, saying it was slow with more work to be done.
 
"There wasn't a lot done this year in the way of local government, per say, there were soemthing that dealt with cities, but I think the most profound impact would have been the Magic Act, " said Marquart.  
 
Marquart says the Magic Act passed the Senate  easily last year, but never made it to the House floor this year.
 
"Basically, it would say to the counties that we're going to give you flexibility relief from mandates in exchange for accountability and results and I think that's the way we have to move, " said Marquart.

"That Magic Act really ought to be passed, " said State Representative Morrie Lanning.

Lanning also spoke about his opinions on the state's budget issues.

 
"Minnesota is still projecting a deficit going forward in subsequent years so the whole issue of where we're spending and what kind of revenues we're able to raise is going to continue to be an issue."
 
An issue that Lanning and Langseth will not have to debate about in the capital next session.

They both retired this year.

But, Marquart will be there to push for the Magic Act.

Langseth also says the bonding bill passed this session was not big enough and that's an issue legislators will have to revisit.