Gottwalt Finds His Niche...

From a press release:

ST. PAUL –Rep. Steve Gottwalt, R-St. Cloud, has accepted an
appointment to chair the House Health and Human Services Reform
Committee.

Gottwalt, who recently won election to a third term, has served on
House HHS committees and other key HHS groups as a member of the
minority. He sponsored numerous reform-minded initiatives and said his
new leadership position will give him a chance to advance common-sense
solutions. The state estimated his Healthy Minnesota Plan bill could
save more than $110 million over two years, while paying hospitals and
providers better and providing coverage to low income Minnesotans.

“The need for true reform in HHS could not be more clear,” Gottwalt
said. “We face significant budget challenges in the upcoming session
and I am eager to get to work on sustainable solutions. We are in great
need of a new approach. Our current approach to HHS services is making
many promises we cannot keep with money we do not have. I am honored to
serve as chair of this important committee."

They couldn't find a better fit for the position.

Congratulations, Steve...and congratulations, Minnesota!~

Don't Think There Can Be Any Question...

Who the pro-business candidate for MN 15-A House. Representative Steve Gottwalt just recently received the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

Representative Steve Gottwalt Earns Guardian of Small Business Award

St Paul, MN, September 21^st, 2010- The state’s largest business group in terms of entities, the National Federation of Independent Business is pleased to announce that Representative Steve Gottwalt of St. Cloud has earned the Guardian of Small Business Award for the 2009-10 session. “Representative Gottwalt is a strong supporter of small business at the Capitol and we really appreciate that” said Mike Hickey, State Director of NFIB/MN.

Rep. Gottwalt understands the vital role small businesses play in our state’s economy and realizes how many jobs are created by small business each year. He made many votes in support of small business including voting against a large tax increase several times in our already high tax state, supported legislation to expand the Small Employer Flexible Benefit Plan Law to more small businesses and importantly individuals, and opposed a measure to raise the cost of Health Savings Account plans to mention a few. Representative Gottwalt made many other votes in support of small business and he is a real friend. We are happy to announce that he has earned the Guardian of Small Business Award

Way to go, Steve~!

Tom Emmer: NOW is the Time!

From an email received from 15A Representative, Steve Gottwalt:

Dear Friends:

Now is the time! With the primary behind us, and a clear field ahead, it is time for common sense conservatives to take back Minnesota and America. Democrats have been making promises we cannot keep with money we do not have, bankrupting our nation, killing jobs, and placing our and our children's economic security in jeopardy.

The Democrats' annointed candidate for governor, Mark Dayton, has pledged to take $4 billion out of our economy to feed more state government. He has pledged to "tax the rich," most of whom are actually small businesses filing their taxes on individual returns -- the same small businesses on which we rely to create the majority of new jobs. This is the same Mark Dayton whose goofy antics in Washington made him the laughing stock of the nation and embarassed Minnesota. This is the same Mark Dayton who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, and uses his unearned millions to "buy" his way into politics. Mark Dayton may be able to afford Minnesota, but it's clear Minnesota cannot afford Mark Dayton!

Our candidate for governor, Tom Emmer, has pledged to rein-in state government, set good priorities, and make sure state government lives within its means, and enact real reforms. That's exactly what Minnesota needs! Fiscal restraint will help boost sustainable job growth, jump start Minnesota's economy, and stabilize state revenues. Do not be distracted by the ridiculous attack ads of the Democrats bent on preserving their entitlements and stranglehold on Minnesota taxpayers! Tom Emmer is the only candidate who has the determination and conviction to reduce and reform state government.

Let there be no doubt: Minnesota must elect Tom Emmer! So, let's each dedicate ourselves to that end, and win back this state for the people of Minnesota!

It's time for real jobs, real prosperity, real government reform, and a brighter future for Minnesota -- It's time for Tom Emmer!

- Rep. Steve Gottwalt

Can I hear an "AMEN!??"

Larry Hosch Introduces "Throw Momma From The Train" Bill

Minnesota state representative Larry Hosch (D, 14A) has introduced what has been roundly criticized as being a horrible bill. In an email correspondence, MN District 14a Representative Steve Gottwalt states:

This bill whacks long term care providers with fee increases and cuts. It does not do it as part of a responsible, global budget solution, but to make some point about the impacts of such tactics. In committee today, Kari Thurlow, VP of Advocacy for Aging Services of MN, called the bill "One of the most onerous bills we have ever seen as it impacts older adult care services." Even to prove a point, this reflects the kind of failed leadership we continue to see from Hosch and the Democrats. Where is their responsible, global solution to the budget deficit??

But don't just take Steve's word for it. Yes, even Aging Services of Minnesota, a senior advocacy group, joined by AARP of Minnesota, writes

Last week, Aging Services staged a 48-hour campaign against HF3442 (Hosch), a bill that proposed, among other things, cuts in funding to older adult services and huge fee increases on providers and caregivers.

We challenged our members to send at least 2,000 e-mail messages to legislators expressing our overall disapproval of the bill. Not only did members meet the challenge, but you exceeded our goal. We estimate over 4,000 e-mail messages were sent to committee members and local legislators over a 48-hour period.

This campaign was instrumental to our success in removing one the most onerous provisions for housing providers from the bill during last Thursday's hearing in the House Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight Committee.

[SNIP]

Aging Services was opposed to this provision because it would erect a barrier to consumer choice. AARP Minnesota and Senior and Workers for Quality also joined in our opposition to this proposal. While the provision should be considered "dead" in the House, it would not be surprising to see this proposal emerge in a Senate bill later this session.

Representative Larry Hosch better watch out, or he just may receive a visit from his other brother Larry, who, with his advancing years, just may not take too kindly to being dissed by his younger brother, and just might make sure you "blowed up real good."

Steve Gottwalt to Run for Third Term

Minnesota Senate District 15A will continue to be in good hands.

From a press release:

For immediate release: March 13, 2010

(St. Cloud, MN) -- Minnesota State Representative Steve Gottwalt announced today he will seek a third term representing the people of House District 15A, including the communities of St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta and Rockville. Gottwalt said he will seek the Republican endorsement later this month.

"These challenging times call for common sense, conservative leadership in state government, and I believe I can continue making a positive difference for the people of my district and the great state of Minnesota," said Gottwalt. "Growth in state spending has far exceeded inflation or economic growth. We need to set good priorities, seek greater reforms, and live within our means instead of raising taxes on the backs of struggling Minnesotans. We need more jobs, not more government."

Gottwalt said his primary focus in a third term would be on sustainable jobs creation, working to improve Minnesota's business climate so businesses can grow the jobs necessary to get the state's economy back on track, and improve the state's revenue picture. He said, "We need to rein-in state spending and boost our economy if we hope to get out of the structural budget deficits we face."

"Our business tax and regulatory environment is ranked among the ten worst in the nation," said Gottwalt. "For too long we have been killing the 'goose' that lays Minnesota's 'golden eggs.'" Gottwalt proposes reducing taxes and regulatory burdens primarily hurting Minnesota's small and medium size businesses that create the vast majority of new jobs. Gottwalt currently serves on the House Bioscience and Workforce Development Policy and Oversight Committee.

Gottwalt said he will also continue providing common sense leadership toward sustainable health care reforms. Recognized as a leader in health care reform at the State Legislature, Gottwalt serves on both Health and Human Services committees in the House, and is one of only two House GOP members serving on the Legislative Commission on Health Care Access. Gottwalt also serves on the Minnesota Rural Health Advisory Committee, carefully considering the unique health care challenges facing greater Minnesota.

Gottwalt founded and chairs the Real Reform Working Group that has produced some of the most innovative health care reform solutions considered in recent years (HF1865 and HF3036). "We must move Minnesota toward common sense, market-based solutions that engage consumers and health care providers in achieving affordable, high quality, accessible health care," said Gottwalt. Noting that the cost of state health care programs is rising at an unsustainable rate, he added, "Bigger government is not the answer."

Gottwalt said he looks forward to an energetic campaign focused on the issues, and will soon launch another in his ongoing series of Town Hall meetings around District 15A to gather residents' ideas and concerns.

The "Minnesota Miracle" of 2010?

Just four days after a failed DFL override attempt of Governor Pawlenty's Minnesota GAMC (General Assistance Medical Care) veto, a compromise has been reached. According to a communication received from Minnesota 15A representative Steve Gottwalt,

Last Monday, the majority inisted the only thing to do was to override the governor's veto of a bill to extend GAMC another year or so by taking money from hospitals and county programs for children and vulnerable adults -- and still leaving $170 million unaccounted for!

Those on our side of the aisle insisted it was time to stop enactin unfunded, temporary bandaids, and establish a permanent solution with good ideas from all sides -- making a promise we can keep to the sickest and poorest. We upheld the governor's veto, and within an hour, both sides were back at the negotiating table in the Governor's Office, working on a long-term solution that would also provide better care for the poorest and sickest.

Within four days (by Friday) all sides had negotiated a long-term solution that not only delivers much better care to these people, but also saves enough (more than $700 million per biennium) to put these services on sustainable footing without raising taxes. We will now enact that reformed and responsible solution -- a "win, win, win" for Minnesotans.

The above compromise may not have seemed so 'miraculous' in the not-so-distant past, but certainly seems miraculous now given the general democrat mindset of "We'll shove this down your throat whether you like it or not!"

But unlike their zombified party compatriots in the U.S. Congress, who appear hellbent on doing a full-speed-ahead "Thelma & Louise" to pass unpopular and unworkable statist legislation, damn the torpedoes, the Minnesota DFL appears to have been able to (at least temporarily) sober up from their drunken power orgy.

If the DFL should actually continue this trend toward sanity, the real miracle may be that the Minnesota DFL comes out relatively unscathed after what is sure to be a rash of democrat bloodletting at the federal level come this November.

Steve Gottwalt: Let's Grow Jobs!

Representative Steve Gottwalt (MN 15A) understands that to grow the economy, you have to grow the private sector, not government:

Steve Gottwalt on Minnesota's $5.4 Billion Shortfall

In an email to his constituents, SD 15-A representative Steve Gottwalt had this to say:

We received the latest budget forecast information today and it indicates Minnesota faces a projected $1.2 billion shortfall for the current two-year state budget, and a $5.4 billion deficit for the next biennium.

This is tough news, and underscores the need for even greater state fiscal restraint. Minnesotans want state government to live within its means instead of raising taxes on families and businesses. Small businesses create the vast majority of new jobs, and they have told us loud and clear they cannot afford more government. We must rein-in state government spending and focus on sustainable reforms that boost our economy. That is the "goose" that lays Minnesota's "golden eggs."

In the 2010 Legislative Session, we need to confront reality and adopt meaningful structural reforms to solidify our economic future. State spending must be brought in line with revenue received, as families and businesses must do. Hard-working taxpayers cannot continue to pay for backward thinking where the state spends money before it knows what’s in the checkbook. Minnesotans expect state government to live within its means.

We cannot tax our way out of this deficit! Tax increases will kill the jobs we need to turn around our economy and state revenues. We have a spending problem; not a revenue problem: Government spending in Minnesota has grown by 140 percent since 1992, and we have seen numerous proposals in the last few years for billions of dollars in new tax increases. We must set good priorities, and live within our means
instead of raising taxes on struggling families and businesses.

Liberals propose “tax increases only on the wealthy.” However, most of the so-called “wealthy” are small businesses filing through individual tax returns - the same small businesses we need to help grow more jobs for a sustainable economic recovery. The top 10 percent wage earners in Minnesota already pay 57 percent of all personal income taxes, and 38 percent of all taxes in our state. Even if we raised their
tax rate a full 10 percent, it would generate only $381 million toward our persistent deficit.

We cannot tax our way to prosperity while families and businesses are battling to make ends meet with less in these tough economic times. Increasing the tax burden would drive out the jobs and revenue we need to turnaround Minnesota’s economy.

The Legislature’s top priority in 2010 must be creating sustainable jobs in the private sector by reducing tax and regulatory burdens. I will continue working to kick-start Minnesota's job market by promoting an environment that supports business growth!

Of course, Mr. Gottwalt speaks nothing but sense here. To tax the bejesus out of the job creators will not create any more taxpayers than depriving a garden of its water will grow more produce.

The crappy part about it is that Margaret Kelliher, Tarryl Clark, Larry Haws, Larry Hosch, and the rest of the tax-n-spend DFL'ers will wail, moan and gnash their teeth, saying the "evil rich" aren't paying their fair share;, when it is the "evil rich" (as Gottwalt stated, the Mom & Pop concerns) that create the very jobs that render a vibrant economy that sustains both economic prosperity and, of course, tax revenue for governmental functions.

And look for Tim Pawlenty, in one of his last acts in office, along with the Minnesota House Republicans to once again play the adult.

Look for yet another infantile show down by the DFL this coming budgetary cycle.

Gottwalt Pushes Through Health Care Plan

Quite an accomplishment in today's democrat-controlled state legislature:

ST. PAUL - State Rep. Steve Gottwalt, R-St. Cloud, today presented a health care reform bill (HF1865) that would improve how Minnesota provides health care coverage to low-income adults, while saving the state an estimated $100 million per year.

Gottwalt presented the Healthy Minnesota Plan (HMP) to the Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight Committee, which unanimously approved the bill, moving it on to the Health and Human Services Finance Division.

The HMP would cover 84,000 Minnesota adults currently on MinnesotaCare with a more generous private market benefit package, and a deductible covered mostly by the state. The plan would pay providers market rates for the health care they deliver, eliminating cost-shifting, and opening more health care access to those enrolled in the plan.

The HMP would save state administrative costs, provide greater flexibility for the enrollee, tap into savings of large private insurance pools, and fit well with other health care reform initiatives. Gottwalt described the bill as a “demonstration project that will improve care for 84,000 Minnesotans, and save the state about $200 million in the coming biennium.”

“The plan benefits consumers, providers and the state,” Gottwalt said. “Even if Minnesota were not facing a huge budget deficit, we need to explore better ways of covering more Minnesotans in a manner that is financially sustainable and engages consumers more directly. The private market can deliver better access to high quality, cost-effective health care.”

Gottwalt said Minnesota currently spends about $7,000 per year for every adult enrollee on MinnesotaCare. He said conservative estimates show the HMP will save the state more than $1,000 per adult enrollee, or about $100 million per year ($200 million per biennium).

“The savings actually grow over time,” Gottwalt said. “We think this approach could be used to provide coverage to other public enrollees, saving even more.” Given the current state budget deficit, this is seen as a sustainable way to provide coverage to people in need while saving the state significant money.

Gottwalt said the HMP generates state savings several ways, starting with tapping into larger, private insurance pools to capitalize on more efficient administrative, education and enrollee services now provided by the state.

Also, the cost to the state for covering most of the deductible under the HMP is based on actual expenditures, not a per-member-per-month capitation payment. The Healthy Minnesota Plan Account (structured as a Health Reimbursement Account or HRA) requires the state to maintain a reserve, but not full funding up front. HF1865 does not include copays, but it is structured to be flexible in addressing cost sharing issues.

The HMP offers an even greater level of benefits than currently available under MinnesotaCare, including dental, vision and pregnancy coverages. The plan provides first-dollar coverage of primary and preventive care, all the covered benefits of MinnesotaCare, and a $5 million lifetime maximum (much stronger than MinnesotaCare's $10,000 inpatient maximum).

“Instead of being denied access to care by providers who do not get paid enough from existing Minnesota public programs, these enrollees will now be considered on par with other privately insured people,” Gottwalt said. “Also, these enrollees will have a debit card with which to pay eligible expenses within the deductible. No more being shunned for lack of a cash co-payment or deductible payment. And, unlike MinnesotaCare, the Healthy Minnesota Plan major medical coverage is completely portable; it belongs to the enrollee.”

Gottwalt has often told me that there are smarter, more cost-effective ways to deliver health care to those in need. The fact that a Republican actually got a cost-effective initiative past a democrat-controlled committee in the current political climate is no easy feat.

Congratulations, Steve!

DFL to MN Taxpayers: Bend Over and Take it Like a Man

From an email from MN 15A Representative Steve Gottwalt on today's DFL legislative hijinx:

Frankly, I'm disappointed. Today, as Minnesota's unemployment rate hit 8.1 percent, House Democrats proposed $4.4 billion in tax increases on struggling Minnesotans. As I've emphasized before, we must focus on economic recovery by helping businesses retain and create more jobs. Raising taxes by $4.4 billion is an absolute job killer! You can't say you're for jobs and in favor of tax increases. It's like saying you're for eggs, but you want to strangle the chickens. They also clipped tax
aids and credits and workforce funding that help create jobs and economic opportunity

To make matters worse, House Democrats plan to cut veterans and public safety funding, cut health and welfare spending, and offer no increase in education funding. They propose a $1.77 billion education funding shift that's almost $500 million larger than the governor's proposal they criticized just days ago. The Senate Democrats want to cut education funding 7 percent. Education Minnesota, is not pleased.

We waited half a legislative session for this set of budget targets, and still do not have a detailed budget proposal from the majority.

Here are the basics of the House Democrats' budget targets released today:

* No increase in K-12, early childhood or higher education spending
* An education funding shift $500 million larger than the governor's
proposal
* Less Health and Human Services spending than the governor in 2010-11
* Cuts to veterans and public safety
* $4.4 billion worth of tax increases (no details yet on the new taxes)

FY 2010-11
$843 million in reductions
$1.77 billion K-12 payment shift (73/27) -- actually, a cut to our districts
$1.5 billion in tax increases
$750 million in federal deficit "stimulus" money

FY 2012-13
$2.1 billion in reductions
$148 million K-12 payment shift
$2.9 billion in tax increases
No federal deficit "stimulus" money

So the Minnesota DFL wants to raise taxes--during an economic recession leaning on the edge of depression. Yeah. That oughta help.

Sorta like trying to fix a headache with a sledgehammer to the skull.

The governor, who will certainly veto this bill, and the Minnesota House Republicans who will hopefully sustain the veto are the only ones standing in the way of this tax, tax and tax some more "final" solution. I say "final" solution because it will deal our already fragile economy yet another blow--a death blow from which it may take years, if ever, to recover.

Legislative Update From Steve Gottwalt

One of the continuing bright spots that shine on in CD-6 and in Minnesota Senate District 15A in particular, is our Minnesota State Representative, Steve Gottwalt. Gottwalt, along with many Minnesota House Republicans, has been a consistently conservative voice, and his commonsense ideas and ideals, are, unfortunately for us, out of place with the current mainstream of idiocy so prevalent in St. Paul nowadays, thanks in part if not in toto due to our leftist friends in the DFL camp. Below is an email that Steve sent to his constituents.

At your State Legislature, it has been an interesting couple of weeks. First, we learned Minnesota’s budget deficit grew by more than a billion dollars (from $4.8 billion to $6.3 billion). That’s not quite as bad as many had predicted, but it is a record deficit for Minnesota, and it underscores the need for us to get to work. Majority leadership has now spent nearly half of this session getting virtually nothing done that will help balance the state budget – our number one priority this session. Instead, committees have spent countless hours listening to various briefings and reports, and hearing bills that do little to help balance the budget. Each day, Minnesota is spending $3 million more than it takes in, and we need leadership willing to grapple with the tough decisions necessary to balance our budget without increasing the burden on already stressed families and businesses.

Which leads to the second point of interest. Senate DFL leaders this week announced what many of us have been expecting: They want to raise taxes $2 billion, mostly on businesses and those who invest to create jobs. They also want to cut K-12 education funding by more than $1 billion. While I give them credit for finally coming forward with something, this approach demonstrates poor judgment in the midst of a deep recession. We need to help businesses grow good paying jobs, not add insult to injury by raising taxes. State Economist, Tom Stinson, stated clearly that increasing taxes on businesses and job creators would "not be helpful" to Minnesota's economic recovery. While I remain a strong proponent of better outcomes in education, given the $14,000 we spend per K-12 pupil (all funds), and expanding the dialogue beyond only funding, I do not believe cutting K-12 spending by $1 billion is wise.

I have authored and co-authored several pieces of legislation that would help state government live within its means, just like the rest of us:

* Freezing state spending at the current level, or the amount of revenue we are taking in, whichever is less. By itself, this would get us most of the way toward balancing the budget. Keep in mind, when people talk about “cuts” in state spending, they’re usually describing less of an increase -- not actual cuts. The truth is, Minnesota’s budget has not experienced a literal decrease in more than three generations, and in recent decades it has grown an average of 11 percent per year – much more than inflation or people’s wages.

* Freezing state employee wages so we live within our means and preserve jobs (instead of cutting jobs).

* Officially, in legislation and across-the-board, cutting legislators' wages and reimbursements.

* Reducing the compensation of all state employees making $100,000 or more by 5%.

* Cracking down on welfare fraud to preserve aid for those who really need it. It is estimated 15% of our welfare dollars are eaten up byfraud, costing Minnesotans more than $1 billion each year. Some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle argue there is no significant welfare fraud, but at a recent briefing with welfare fraud investigators, and in meetings with county social service workers, we have heard dozens of examples of welfare fraud and abuse. Welfare fraud prevention should be an issue with strong, bi-partisan support!

This coming week, I will introduce legislation that would continue coverage for adults on MinnesotaCare through a consumer-driven, market-based solution that would provide better coverage, better payments to providers, and save the state as much as $100 million.

I will also offer a reasonable prevailing wage reform bill that would bring Minnesota in line with other states, saving taxpayers $100 million per bonding cycle, allowing us to create more jobs with those dollars, and repair more roads, bridges and buildings. It is imperative we make the most of our available state funds, especially as Minnesota faces a $6.3 billion deficit.

One way we can help local governments put taxpayer dollars to better use is by providing them with the flexibility they need to tailor their budgets. I have co-authored a local mandates reform bill (HF1195) brought forward by a bi-partisan working group. If approved, it will help local units of government by repealing some state-imposed mandates that add costs to local taxpayers. The bill passed in our Bioscience and Workforce Development Policy and Oversight Committee last week.

Mandates handcuff local governments by dictating how much money must be spent in particular areas. This is especially troublesome when local governments are told they must maintain certain spending levels, even if they are operating with smaller budgets due to the recession. Because of the deficit, Minnesota has had to cut Local Government Aid (LGA) payments to cities, including our own here in District 15A. As we remove state aid, it makes common sense to allow cities the flexibility to do what they and their residents decide is best at the local level.

Two somewhat controversial elements of the bill include its allowance for lifting of local levy limits, and its allowance for discontinuing truth in taxation hearings (which the working group felt were both costly and ineffective). Instead, it encourages local governments to find more meaningful ways to involve residents in local budgeting and spending decisions.

HF1195 also establishes a Legislative Commission on Mandate Reform to continue the discipline of reviewing and reforming state mandates on local units of government. It's not another permanent piece of bureaucracy either, since the commission would expire in 2013.

An interesting and sobering statistic regarding the recently passed federal deficit spending package of more than $700 billion: It amounts to about $2,600 debt for every man, woman and child in this nation. That's on top of the previous spending packages designed to jump start our economy. We cannot continue living beyond our means with money we do not have -- privately, or in government! That is precisely what got us in trouble in the first place. When you're in a hole, the first thing you need to do is stop digging. It's time to cut spending, and live within our means.

This week, I will also announce another series of Town Hall meetings to gather your ideas, concerns, input and feedback. It is an honor and privilege to serve as your State Representative, and I urge you to continue letting me know how I can help. As we enjoy the return of warm weather, I wish you and yours the very best in this first week of spring. You can contact toll-free at 1-800-683-0886.

Sincerely in service,

Rep. Steve Gottwalt
House District 15A
St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta and Rockville

Representative Steve Gottwalt's (15-A) Report from the MN Legislature

Dear Neighbor:

I just returned to my office from the House Floor here at your State Capitol in St. Paul. I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives as we took our solemn oath of office to begin the 86th Session of the Minnesota Legislature. It is a deep honor and privilege to serve as your State Representative, and I will continue to do my very best for our area, and for the great state of Minnesota. We face unprecedented challenges as we work together to balance a state budget that is nearly $5 billion in deficit, while meeting priority needs for our state.

Today, as promised, I have signed on as co-author of a bill that would lift Minnesota's moratorium on considering development of new nuclear energy. We need new, clean, safe and inexpensive nuclear energy, and have had our heads in the sand for too long. I am co-authoring a bill removing the bad, eleventh hour changes made last session to the Green Acres program -- changes that would cost landowners in my district hundreds of thousands of dollars. I expect that will be one of the first measures approved this session. I have also co-authored a bill that would return dollars to the State Airports Fund that were inadvertently transferred to help balance the budget last year. The City of St. Cloud had to cover those funds intended for airport terminal expansion, and needs to have those funds returned.

Although we face a nearly $5 billion budget deficit, this is also an opportunity to re-think state government -- its priorities, size, scope, outcomes and efficiencies. I will also work with our local units of government to identify areas in which the state can help relieve the local burden. These include avenues for intergovernmental cooperation, joint delivery of services, elimination of burdensome and unfunded mandates, and more. We need everyone's creative input and energies to solve the current and long-term challenges facing Minnesota! I welcome your input throughout the year, especially during the legislative session, and will announce a series of local Town Hall meetings in the next few days.

Here are the committees to which I have been assigned. They reflect closely the priorities I heard from you and other constituents during this fall's campaign: Economic development for jobs creation and economic recovery; the pressing need for real, sustainable health care reform; and the need for government reform, efficiency and integrity of our elections.

● Bioscience and Workforce Development Policy & Oversight Division
(on which I will be the Minority Lead)
● Health Care and Human Services Finance Division
● Health Care and Human Services Policy and Oversight Committee
● State and Local Government Operations Reform, Technology & Elections

I have also been recommended for re-appointment to the legislature's Health Care Access Commission, providing leadership for real health care reform.

Tomorrow, in addition to committee meetings, I will meet with Governor Pawlenty to discuss priorities for this session, and how we can work to solve the state's budget woes without increasing the tax burden. I will continue to keep you informed about what I see happening here at your State Legislature. Please keep in touch, and continue to let me know how I can help!

Sincerely in service,

Rep. Steve Gottwalt
House District 15A
St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta and Rockville

Granite City Days Parade a Success!

I had the honor of being in St. Cloud's Granite City Days Parade with Steve Gottwalt this evening-- and I would term the affair a rousing success, not so much of all that went well, but because of things that didn't go so well.

Let me explain.

There was a lot of energy at the beginning of the parade route. Although there was a little mist in the air, it was still relatively good parade weather. There were approximately 20 supporters of Steve who were walking the route with him; myself, I had the honor of driving a hot-looking 2006 Pontiac Solstice in the parade. Everything was going great until around half-way in the parade, when all hell let loose weatherwise. It was pouring rain like the dickens; an event that would have led a lesser group of people take cover. But instead of losing energy from a drenching rain, Steve's pace picked up! He was running back and forth in the pouring rain, shaking everyone's hands, smiling, and exuding enough energy to power a medium-sized town for a week. He was in his element, and on his game, and the crowd was cheering him on.

We, those who were walking and riding with Steve, were able to pick up on his energy ourselves. King's wife, Barb, along with littlest Scholar, made up some on-the-spot choreography with the other sign carriers--and all were having a blast!

[I did get a chance to see the DFL portion of the parade, and I believe that Al Franken himself was walking in it (though I can't be sure).. The DFLers actually had a real jack-ass (no kidding) walking with them. And on the top of one of their cars, was a life-sized standing cardboard cutout of "The Messiah" Obama (oh, the rich irony in that)].

Unfortunately, during the rain my Treo 680 got wet, and FUBARed, so I was unable to take pictures. Rest assured, though, I have never seen a campaigner like Steve Gottwalt, and I'm honored to be on his team!

Steve Gottwalt Says "NO" to irresponsible spending

From his May 14 newsletter:

Dear Neighbor,

We are into the final days of the 2008 Legislative Session, and are spending many hours on the House Floor debating final passage of bills as they come back from conference committees. Meanwhile, budget balancing negotiations between the governor and the Democrats who control the Legislature have broken down. I hope we will see a compromise budget agreement before Monday's deadline to adjourn.

Tuesday, I voted against the Omnibus K-12 Finance Bill (HF6). The bill was pure "gottcha" politics. I voted against it because it offered false choices, gutting important QComp education reforms to give one-time money to our schools. The bill also eliminated "Get Ready Get Credit" and the College Level Exam Program (CLEP), designed to help our students prepare for post-secondary success. The Democrats have squandered numerous opportunities to provide real student funding increases without gutting education reform. Last year, with a $2.2 billion state budget surplus, and a 10 percent increase in state spending, they boosted welfare spending 17 percent, but managed only a paltry 3 percent for our K-12 students. They rejected the Republicans' proposal for an 8-percent increase in K-12 funding. Democrats have put politics ahead of real opportunities to boost student achievement for the 21st century, and they need to be held accountable for their failure.

Local taxpayers are not fooled by such political gimmicks.

Monday night, I voted against a health care bill that would spend lots of tax dollars, but do little to reduce the actual cost of health care for Minnesotans. HF3391 was intended to provide significant health care reforms, reducing health care costs and increasing access to quality, affordable care. But it failed of its promise, and the Governor vetoed the bill Tuesday. The bill would have dramatically expanded public health care programs and government spending. It would spend Minnesota's Health Care Access Fund at a rate that would bankrupt the fund in 2012, at which time state law would force us to kick people off of public health care coverage (MinnesotaCare). Such public programs also pay doctors and other health care providers less than their costs, so by pushing more people onto MinnesotaCare, physicians and clinics are forced to charge more to others - those on private or employer-based health care coverage. That raises the cost of health care coverage for most Minnesotans.

As I've said before, we need to improve health care by focusing more on health and wellness, and less on volume of procedures and treatment. We need to improve cost, quality and access of care. But this bill does not get us there. I serve on the Health and Human Services committees in the House, and have worked as a member of the Health Care Access Commission and Minnesota's Rural Health Advisory Committee.

Frankly, this is a disappointing result to all those efforts. Again, Minnesota is the healthiest state in the nation, with overall health care costs 15 percent below the national average, and outstanding health care outcomes. We have the highest percentage of people with health care coverage (93 percent), and the vast majority of those not covered (7 percent) are already eligible for public health care coverage programs, or have chosen not to get health care coverage. We need to build on Minnesota's successes with consumer-driven, market-based solutions, and I will continue working with others to enact real, sustainable health care reform.

I hope negotiators can reach a budget balancing agreement, but we are running out of time. Governor Pawlenty has the ultimate authority to trim the budget himself (unallotment), or call a special session, but let's hope those measures are not necessary. Just so you know, I will not accept any state pay or reimbursement during a special session if one is called.

I will continue providing you with updates as we wrap up the 2008 Legislative Session. Thanks, as always, for your input and feedback. It is an honor and privilege to serve as your State Representative!

Sincerely,
Steve Gottwalt
State Representative - District 15A

Gottwalt P3wns Nannystaters...

(click on pic for full size)

Score one for common sense:

ST. PAUL — Parental control and child safety concerns clashed Monday in the House of Representatives in a debate about infant child care.

A requirement for child care providers to lay infants on their backs unless parents get a written note from a doctor fell by the wayside. Rep. Steve Gottwalt, R-St. Cloud, successfully argued it represented too much government intrusion.

The requirement was aimed at reducing the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in child care facilities.

Gottwalt got an amendment passed to HF 3376, a bill dealing with welfare and chilcare assistance, taking out the proposed requirement on a 88-42 vote.

“Instead of a parent having to go get a doctor’s permission and the extra cost involved with that, a parent can write a letter to the day care provider themselves that they don’t want their child placed on its back,” he said. “The requirement adds complexity and cost and does not, in itself, protect infants.”

Gottwalt’s amendment won unanimous support from St. Cloud-area lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, but was decried by Twin Cities DFLers who argued that the state licenses child care providers and therefore must ensure it sets the best safety standards for them.

Thank God for Steve Gottwalt for blocking what could have been yet another liberal "good intentioned" paving stone on society's road to hell. Whether it's global cooling, global warming, bio-fuels, government-run health care, or any other trendy cause du jour in which the cure is inevitably exponentially worse than that the ill, one can be certain to find a "good-intentioned" liberal chicken-little nannystater at the bottom of it all.

We need more Gottwalts in St. Paul and elsewhere.

Smackdown.....

Yet another "gimme-gimme" liberal group who thinks we can tax our way into prosperity.

From here:

ST. PAUL — Think of Minnesota as suffering from a vitamin deficiency, growing weaker and still resisting a balanced diet. And think of taxes as spinach, broccoli and peas — not exactly everybody’s first choice on the table, but the stuff we need to reinvigorate our state.

One month from legislative adjournment, all indications are that election-year pressures will deny Minnesota the state revenue “vegetables” and the responsible, long-term budget solutions it needs.

Time is running out in the face of projected chronic shortfalls — as much as $1.7 billion in the red a year from now — and so are the accounting gimmicks and the reserves. So voters choosing leaders this fall for 2009 and beyond need to ask them to face up to a glaring fiscal reality: We can’t go on like this. Our experiment with tax cuts and short-changing vital public-sector investment is not working.

More than a decade of tax rebates and tax cuts during good times, and the no-new-(state)-taxes straitjacket of the past six years, have left our communities and our economy in worse shape than they have been in decades. (The 2008 Legislature deserves credit for overriding a veto and pushing through a modest gas-tax increase, but that’s a dedicated tax that only begins to address two decades of deterioration in our transportation infrastructure.)

That’s because this disinvestment has been accomplished by a gradual slide into economic mediocrity in the private sector. The scrimping and corner-cutting, the idea that draining our common pool of resources will benefit everybody, is most assuredly not producing the general prosperity that was promised when tax cuts were enacted.

I thank God that we have the likes of Steve Gottwalt representing us:

Ellen:
Think of taxes as the food on working people's tables. Think of it as their hard earned cash. Think of it as their means of providing for themselves. Think of it as THEIR money; not the government's! Now consider what an insatiable hunger for those taxes does to prosperity and opportunity in Minnesota.

We remain among the highest taxed, most generous social services states in the entire nation. We cannot afford more of your "better living through more taxes." Just ask your neighbors and those who work to pay taxes. They're struggling to make ends meet in some of the toughest economic times we've seen -- and the last thing they need is more taxes. On behalf of my constituents: Please stop raising our taxes! We're already doing more than we can afford in terms of government services!

Let's try a balanced "diet" of setting real, sound priorities, and living within our means instead of raising taxes -- no second helpings, junk food or "super-sizing" on our government "meals." Thanks!
-Rep. Steve Gottwalt

We're from the government and we're here to help....NOT.

Craig Westover has a must-read article in the Pi-Press that calls proposed socialized healthcare in Minnesota what it is: A train in search of a wreck. Be sure to read the whole thing. Regarding this article, Steve Gottwalt, who voted against the measure in committee and plans to vote "no" when the measure comes to the floor, stated,

This is EXACTLY the truth (and my deep concern) about the health care reform legislation charging through the Legislature at this time (HF3391 Huntley)! Anyone who cares at all about health care MUST READ THIS!!

Unfortunately, I have it on good word that our wayward governor has signaled that he would sign this bill into law should it reach his desk. It's time to storm the Governor's office with phone calls, faxes, and emails and have him veto this measure!

If the government can't even get a simple thing like light bulbs right, how can you even begin to trust them with your health care?

MN Tax Bill Passes...

From Steve Gottwalt:

Dear Neighbor:

I'm getting back to you again today (Thursday) to report what happened with the Tax Bill.

After all Republicans and some DFLers voted against the earlier version, it went to the Senate where many measures were removed; they did keep most of the federal tax conformity provisions which will save Minnesotans millions of dollars. As it came back to us from the Senate, this bill represented real compromise, and fiscal moderation.

It wasn't everything we wanted but it is a good bill overall for Minnesotans, it accomplishes federal tax conformity. For this reason, I voted for concurrence on the Tax Bill, which passed the House on a 132 to 1 vote.

This shows how, by standing firm for changes we need and principles that are important, we can accomplish compromise and moderation in legislation. This is the first tax reducing legislation we've passed this session.

Several committees will be meeting into the night, including committees on which I serve addressing education and health care. Thanks for your continued interest.

Sincerely in service,



State Rep. Steve Gottwalt
House District 15A

Thanks for being there, Steve~!

Steve Gottwalt's message to MN SD-15...

It’s another event-filled week at your State Capital. Dozens of bills are rushing through committees as the Legislature appears geared to pass legislation quickly and adjourn. My concern is that haste can make waste, and we should be careful about passing huge rafts of legislation during a session intended to focus on state infrastructure bonding.

Today, “Justin’s Bill,” which redefines the requirements for a legal prescription in the State of Minnesota, passed unanimously in the Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee. The bill provides important statutory language to help enforcement agencies crack down on the illicit online trafficking of prescription drugs. The bill is named after Justin Pearson who died from abuse of prescription pain killers he was able to purchase easily online without any evidence of medical assessment. Justin’s father, Dan Pearson, brought this issue to me last year and asked for my help in addressing this new and growing threat. Justin’s Bill has now passed the necessary committees in both
houses of the Legislature, and now goes to the floor in the House and Senate for final votes. Governor Pawlenty has already indicated strong support for the bill, and it should become law within the next few weeks.

All Republicans and several DFLers in the House voted against the Tax Bill early Tuesday morning, sending a strong message to the Senate and legislative leaders that new taxes in the bill need to be removed. As a result, the Senate stripped out some of the tax increases, leaving us closer to what Republicans proposed in the first place: A Tax Bill that
accomplishes federal tax conformity (saving Minnesotans millions of dollars) without all the new taxes. Let’s hope that’s how it comes out of conference committee so it can be signed into law.

The House Bonding Bill proposal came out this week. It includes $2 million for the St. Cloud Civic Center, $14.8 million for St. Cloud State University’s Brown Science Hall renovation, nearly $1 million for SCSU’s science and engineering lab design, $200,000 for St. Cloud Technical College’s allied health building (formerly HealthPartners) renovation, and $372,000 for the Rocori Trail project. The bill does not contain any funding for additional land for Quarry Park as I had requested.

The House Bonding proposal also comes with a hefty price tag of $967 million -- well in excess of the state’s $835 million limit based on our most recent state budget forecast. That needs to be pared down to maintain fiscal responsibility, especially as we face a state budget deficit and challenging economic times. With several “pork barrel” projects included in the bill, there are certainly opportunities to trim the “fat” and bring the bill in line with our fiscal limit. The bill is expected to be up for debate on the House floor tomorrow (Thursday).

Minnesota faces a nearly $1 billion budget deficit for the current two-year budget. That deficit is projected to grow to $2 billion in the next biennium unless we make changes now. The tough work of the Legislature is just ahead, as we make difficult decisions to balance our budget. We must resist the urge to cover the balance by dipping too
deeply into state budget reserves. We also need to re-prioritize state spending, trim expenses, and live within our means instead of raising taxes and fees. In doing so, I will continue my commitment to keeping K-12 education Minnesota’s top funding priority.

Health care reform legislation is moving through the Legislature at a lightening pace. While the basic concepts of focusing on prevention and wellness, “medical home,” and reporting quality and cost of care measures to consumers are not new, “the devil's in the details,” and many approaches proposed this session come with more questions than
answers. Many include hidden implementation costs, tax/fee increases, or cost-shifting. Some would drive providers out of the state, or force others to consolidate.

Minnesota has the highest quality of care, overall costs 15% below the national average, and the highest percentage of people with health coverage in the nation. We are consistently ranked the number one or number two healthiest states in the nation. To protect our lead, we need careful, incremental reforms, not sweeping “bold” measures that could do more harm than good.

That’s the news from your State Capital at mid-week. I’ll try to get you another update at the end of the week. As you can tell, things are moving fast – perhaps too fast to be well considered.

As always, it is an honor and privilege to serve as your State Representative. Please keep in touch, and let me know how I can help!

Sincerely in service,



State Rep. Steve Gottwalt
House District 15A

Steve Gottwalt's message to MN SD-15...

After the raping the Minnesota taxpayer received yesterday at the hands of the Minnesota Democrat Party (DFL), one of the stalwarts trying to hold the line is our own SD 15 Minnesota Representative Steve Gottwalt. He had this to say regarding the vote yesterday that passed the largest tax increase in Minnesota history:

It's only two weeks into the 2008 legislative session and the liberals in St. Paul have already pushed through two huge tax increases. The latest was a $6.6 billion transportation bill representing the largest tax hike in Minnesota history.

Governor Tim Pawlenty vetoed the bill late last week, but the liberal majorities in both the House and the Senate voted to override the veto Monday. In addition to an 8.5-cent per gallon gas tax increase, Minnesotans will all pay large increases in vehicle registration and license tab fees. The bill enacts a quarter-percent sales tax increase for the metro area – without a referendum - and provides massive new spending for Twin Cities area mass transit.

Instead of looking at the state’s budget and re-prioritizing spending within existing revenues, the liberals chose to foist the entire burden onto the backs of hard working Minnesotans facing the toughest economic times in a decade. The vast majority of my constituents do not support massive new tax increases for transportation. This bill hurts those who can least afford it, including seniors, low income residents, middle-class families, and those living on fixed incomes.

With the new increase, Minnesota’s gas tax jumps from the 28th highest nationally to seventh. It puts us further behind in terms of overall tax climate.

A last-minute amendment to the bill also makes it uncertain there will be equity in funding between rural Minnesota and the metro area. This bill is not fair for the taxpayers of Minnesota and, with a growing budget deficit still looming, it also is ill-timed.

The transportation bill was rushed through the House and the Senate. One reason for this is both obvious and irresponsible: The state’s budget forecast is scheduled to be released Thursday, and is expected to project Minnesota’s budget nearly $1 billion in deficit.

Although proponents claimed the bill represented “compromise,” it was more than a billion dollars larger than the transportation package Gov. Pawlenty vetoed last year. And this time there wasn't any dialogue with Republican leaders or the Governor’s office.

We owed it to Minnesotans to do better. There was certainly common sense, middle ground available, based much less on tax increases and including state general fund dollars. This new law sells out Minnesota taxpayers.

Just for comparison, Missouri is replacing 800 bridges and Indiana is quadrupling transportation spending – all without raising taxes. Instead, the liberals in charge of Minnesota’s Legislature resorted to a quick fix that was easy to enact but will be hard for Minnesotans to swallow.

That's it for now. I'm sure there will be more to report after the February budget forecast is announced. In the mean time, let me know how I can help!

Sincerely in service,

Rep. Steve Gottwalt