Citizens share ideas for state’s priorities

01/17/2007

Six Minnesotans, asked to assess the state of the state, say health care needs to more accessible and education more affordable; alternative energy remains important.


By Dane Smith and Norman Draper,
Star Tribune
Last update: January 16, 2007 – 10:05 PM


Gov. Tim Pawlenty's aides say he will focus more on education reform, the need for fiscal discipline, health care cost reduction and expanded renewable energy proposals. The speech will begin at noon, in the House chamber at the state Capitol.


Here's what the voters say:

Sina Black, employee for community agency, part-time student at Metropolitan State University, St. Paul's North End.

"Conditions are worsening for some in my community. The safety net is there but there's not enough to help people pull themselves up by their bootstraps."

She thinks the speech ought to address the need for "universal health care for all, not just for children, although that would be a start. I'd probably also say something about college tuition. And there ought to be some support for a living-wage law, not just the minimum wage."

Mary Johnson, farmer, bookkeeper for a grain elevator, mother of National Guard member deployed in the Middle East, Martin County (near Iowa line).

"I'm prejudiced with Minnesota Nice and I like to emphasize the positive. We still live in the best state. We take care of our families and our programs are out there. From talking to people in other states, they are envious and our work ethic speaks for itself."

Just a couple of concerns. "We really need affordable health care and to eliminate the bureaucracy. When my son got deployed, it took almost a year to get his prepaid health-care premium back [from a private insurer]."

She expects to hear Pawlenty advance the case for alternative energy. "My husband and I farm, and we are excited about ethanol and soy diesel and wind energy. It's long overdue for us to rely more on renewable resources."

Steve McCulloch, owner of Linsk Flowers in St. Louis Park.

"Things in this state are very well run and things are cooking along real well ... business has been very good."

A big concern, however are recent annual hikes of 12 to 16 percent in the cost of health care for his nine employees. "Flower prices can't go up like that."

He agrees "100 percent that we have to live within our means" and hold down taxes, but also thinks that "we have a good quality of life here and it comes with a cost."

Traffic congestion and an unfinished section of Hwy. 100 near his business adversely affects delivery of his product and customer access. McCulloch wants to see state leaders enact a gasoline tax increase because "business depends on transportation."

Adam Copeland, history teacher, Eagan High School.

Two things most concern Copeland: Too much school funding coming from property taxes, and the high cost of college is putting it beyond the reach of some of his students.

"Tuition increases have reached a crisis, I believe. Education at the higher level is becoming much more the domain of the wealthy. ... A lot of people look at the bill and say, 'I can't afford the debt.' ... A lot [of students] are thinking of taking a year or two off just to go to work ... to raise some money so they can pay for college."

Jennifer Bateman, owner of Two Inlets Resort, Park Rapids area.

"I feel like we're in relatively good shape. One thing I'd love to see the state lead the way with its alternative energy sources, whether it's wind or electric cars. We're all about the environment, and people come for our lakes and trees and the stuff that swims in the lake."

She also wants to hear Pawlenty support "increased [state] funding for public education. We just passed [a local property tax levy increase] after try number five." And she doesn't want the governor to drop the ball on tourism promotion. "Tourism is a very important part of the state's economy and the governor has always been supportive."

Becca Schenk, senior, St. Louis Park High School.

"I would say that, overall, I'm happy with education; I've had a lot of good education experiences." If there's a change Schenk would like to see made, it's this: Foreign language immersion programs -- where all the classes are given in languages other than English -- should expand.

"I guess my hope would be in the following years that they continue to grow and gain support," she said. "If I had had that choice when I was in kindergarten I would have chosen immersion. ... By studying the language, you're also studying the culture."