The November economic forecast for the state was released last Friday and the forecast showed Minnesota's lack of job growth has been taking its toll on the economy. The forecast showed a shortfall of $373 million, and the state's economist, Tom Stinson, said job growth was a major factor in the grim news and added, "We have to have more jobs." Since 2003, job growth has plummeted 43 percent, with the state losing nearly 27,000 jobs in just the last four months. Stinson also said that the state needs to invest in research and development and human capital by investing in health care and education.  

"This is just another indication that the economy of the North Star State is dimming under the current administration," said state Senator Dan Skogen, DFL-Hewitt. "We have a vision for a Minnesota that works for everyone, by investing in transportation, local police and fire protection, affordable health care and education. The governor blocks the way to progress by vetoing legislation that creates jobs and by not calling us into special session to give Minnesota's economy a much-needed boost."

Legislative leaders had asked for the governor to consider a plan to craft a bonding bill of up to $645 million to boost job growth in the state. They also asked him to close corporate loopholes that allow a few companies in the state to evade their taxes to help alleviate the short-term deficit. Governer Pawlenty rejected their call to action during a meeting on Monday.

The forecast is an important indicator for legislators as they come back into session in February. The forecast will be updated in March to reflect the latest economic news in the state. Senator Skogen believes the budget prediction is just further proof that action must be taken as soon as possible to get Minnesota working again. More alarming than the current deficit of $373 million is the forecast's projected shortfall of over $1.2 billion in 2010-11.

"The Senate will be bold and put forward an agenda that will help create and retain jobs," said Senator Skogen.  "The governor lacks a vision for our state, but we have one that helps Minnesota work again for everyone. We can get Minnesota back on track, but he has to want to join us in moving forward."

"We need a safe and dependable transportation system, a good educational foundation and affordable health care options," said Senator Skogen.   "Minnesota's success has been based off placing value on those fundamental things, and if we want to compete globally, we need to re-focus on them. By doing those things, we can make Minnesota work for everyone again."

The message to legislators at the State Capitol on November 27 was clear: design a stable funding system for Minnesota schools.

Representatives from schools and communities from across Minnesota told a large group of state senators and representatives that continued reliance on operating levies to fund school basics would not provide quality education for students.

"This past November, 100 Minnesota school districts -- one-third of the state's total number -- asked voters to provide more money for basic education programs," said Senator Dan Skogen, DFL - Hewitt. "Minnesota is known for quality, innovative education programs. We can't watch this crumble because of an antiquated funding system that doesn't meet the needs of the 21st century."

The Senate's E-12 Education Finance Division met to hear from groups that were both successful and unsuccessful in passing levies this year. Superintendents, volunteers and parents came to the Capitol to talk about their experiences.

"Almost every group that came to talk to legislators agreed that this is not the way to fund schools" Senator Skogen said. "They told us that schools should not be in the business of running campaigns and elections to raise money but should be engaged in educating our children. I agree."

This past fall, about 67 percent of all ballot questions passed. Representatives of districts that were successful and unsuccessful voiced their concerns, and pointed out that school levy campaigns created divisiveness in communities that had long-lasting ramifications.

"Superintendents told us they would be forced to increase class sizes, cut teachers and slash quality programs that help our students achieve," Senator Skogen said. "We also learned that the bitterness after ballot campaign lingers for years and creates animosity toward schools. Property taxes continue to increase for all Minnesotans, and demanding that districts constantly ask voters to raise their own taxes is not the proper way to fund schools. We can't have a funding system that pits neighbor against neighbor."

 In many areas, changing demographics have hurt passage of ballot questions.

"Minnesota's population is aging, and we have many residents who are on fixed incomes," Senator Skogen said. "It isn't fair to ask them to continue to pay more and more to help provide what our schools need through the regressive property tax system. We must have something better."

A School Finance Reform Task Force has been meeting this fall to discuss ways to design a better funding system. The Task Force plans to present its findings to the Legislature in January.

"Property taxes continue to increase for all Minnesotans, and demanding that schools constantly ask voters to raise their own taxes is not the proper way to fund schools," Senator Skogen said. "I look forward to hear what the Task Force has to report to us in a few months."

Senator LeRoy Stumpf, chair of the Education Finance Division, promised that his committee would work with the Senate's Tax Committee to talk about long-term solutions to funding problems.

"Over 80 percent of Minnesota school districts use referenda to operate their districts," Senator Skogen said. "I will work with my legislative colleagues to ensure that we provide adequate funding to provide quality programs for all our schoolchildren."

With winter quickly approaching, Sen. Skogen urged residents today to learn about their rights under Minnesota's 'Cold Weather Rule.'

"The Cold Weather Rule is designed to protect Minnesotans during our harsh winter months," said Senator Dan Skogen, DFL - Hewitt.   "Unfortunately, many Minnesotans either are unaware of the program or don't know if they qualify."

Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule protects all Minnesotans from having their main heating source disconnected between Oct. 15 and April 15, if they agree to follow a regular payment plan. Senator Skogen stressed that in order to receive protection under the law, customers must contact their utility company and work out a payment schedule.

The Cold Weather Rule also gives additional protections to households with an income less than 50 percent of the state median income (an eligibility table is provided below), and allows qualifying individuals to lower their monthly bills to an amount equivalent to 10 percent of their monthly income.

Additionally, if a qualifying household's heat was shut off prior to Oct. 15, the Cold Weather Rule ensures that their heat will be turned back on if they agree to pay the total amount they owe, plus their current energy bill, in monthly installments. These installments cannot be more than 10 percent of their monthly income.

"The Cold Weather Rule provides protection to all Minnesotans," said Senator Skogen. "However, it also gives additional benefits to families with limited incomes."

Before a utility company may turn off a customer's service during the winter months, it must send the following:

• A disconnection notice which states the date on or after which disconnection will occur;
• A statement of customer's rights and responsibilities, including a list of the names and phone numbers of local energy, weatherization and conservation assistance providers;
• An explanation of no-cost or low-cost methods of conserving energy;
• A written explanation of how utility payments will be divided under the Ten Percent Plan if a customer has two or more utilities; and
• A Cold Weather Rule application.

All customers have the right to appeal to the Public Utilities Commission if their utility notifies them that it is going to disconnect their heat or if the customer and utility cannot reach a payment plan agreement. The utility is required to provide an appeals form to the customer when they notify them of the utility's decision, and the customer must submit the form to the PUC within 10 days of receiving the notice in the mail or seven days of being personally served the notice. Their utility cannot disconnect their heat until the appeals process is completed.

Senator Skogen also urged residents that fall under the income guidelines provided below to apply for federal and state heating assistance programs.   Residents of Ottertail County can call (218) 998-8242 and residents of Wadena County can call (218) 385-2900 to learn more about these programs. Senator Skogen warned that residents interested in these programs should apply quickly, as the funding has run out in previous years.

If residents want more information on the Cold Weather Rule, they can either contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce at 1-800-657-3710, or Senator Skogen's office at (651) 296-5655 or sen.dan.skogen@senate.mn

November 11th is a day we should never overlook. From the heroism of World War One, to the sacrifices being made today in Iraq, we owe our freedom and our way of life to the men and women in uniform. "We can never forget everything they have done for us, and we need to do everything we can for them in return," said Senator Dan Skogen, DFL - Hewitt.

In November of 1919, at the end of World War I, President Wilson proclaimed November 11th Armistice Day. President Wilson said that the day, "will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America ..." In 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars, "Veterans Day".  

Senator Skogen was a part of a 2007 session that did not overlook veterans and the men and women currently serving our country. Several bills passed through the Legislature that will benefit Minnesota's veterans.  

The 2007 Legislature passed several bills, including:

• Increased funding to the Veterans Home Board for providing personal care and building maintenance;
• Financial assistance for higher education through the GI Bill;
• Allowing those called to active duty to cancel service contracts (cell phone, health and fitness club membership, satellite television subscriptions and rental contracts) without penalty, and ensures that their energy stays on;
• Funding for the National Guard Reintegration Program;
• Funding for veteran health screening;
• Funding for marketing veteran outreach programs; and
• Free hunting licenses for soldiers returning from overseas in the past 2 years

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, the Minnesota National Guard reintegration program, helps returning soldiers with the steps they need to take as they return home, such as employment, education, health care, and Minnesota State benefits. The Warrior to Citizen's unites our soldiers with their communities by offering thanks or a listening ear to veterans, to hosting job fairs and convening support groups. Together, these two groups offer our soldiers needed support.

The Minnesota Resort & Campground Association (MRCA) honored Senator Dan Skogen, DFL-Hewitt, as a 'Friend of Tourism' for his dedication to the state's tourism industry at the 2007 MRCA Fall Conference at the Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center in Alexandria. The Friend of Tourism Award was announced Wednesday, October 24, at a special brunch.

"It is an honor to be recognized by the Minnesota Resort and Campground Association," said Senator Skogen.  "Resorts and campground facilities represent the economic backbone of our region and continue the important tradition of families getting together to enjoy the wonderful resources that are provided to us in Minnesota. The Legislature must support policies that both protect and promote this vital piece of our region's economy."

According to the organization, the MRCA presented the award to Senator Skogen for his outstanding advocacy on behalf of the region's resorts and campgrounds.

"Senator Skogen understands the importance of Minnesota's tourism industry and the unique role resorts and campgrounds play in our state's economy," said MRCA Director of Government Affairs Kevin Matzek. "His support for the MRCA's issues are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to working with him next session to help promote the issues that are essential to the well-being of Minnesota's resorts and campgrounds."

The MRCA is a leading provider of lobbying, education and marketing services to Minnesota's resort and campground industry. The Association is comprised of some 550 resorts and campgrounds and 75 vendor members.

For more information on the award or the MRCA, visit www.hospitalitymn.org For other information, contact Senator Skogen at (651) 296-5655 or email sen.dan.skogen@senate.mn

Senator Dan Skogen, right, receives the 'Friend of Tourism' award from Kevin Matzek, left, Director of Government Affairs at the Minnesota Resort and Campground Association.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) on Monday presented a list of 228 road and bridge projects that could be delayed unless the state finds $195 million to offset I-35W bridge reconstruction costs. In addition, Mn/DOT officials warned that tight budgets at the department could also limit road maintenance and operations budgets in 2008.

 "Once again, financial troubles at the Department of Transportation could delay critical investments in our roads and bridges," said Senator Dan Skogen, DFL - Hewitt.  "Years of underfunding and financial mismanagement have left Mn/DOT unable to respond to the growing needs of our transportation system."

Mn/DOT could not specify which of the 228 projects would be delayed, but acknowledged that without legislative action the state would have to delay nearly $200 million worth of road and bridge work in 2008. The Department's admission came during a hearing of the Transportation Contingent Appropriations Group (TCAG), which has been charged with examining the financing of the I-35W reconstruction project. The TCAG is an eight-member panel chaired by Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller.

Mn/DOT officials testified that higher than expected bridge construction costs - the cost estimate of the bridge has grown from $240 million to almost $400 million - coupled with a delay in promised federal funding has left the department unable to meet its current 2008 road construction plans.

Locally, the budget deficit could result in delays to various road and bridge projects, needed safety improvements, and right of way acquisitions.

"We cannot afford to wait another year to make these critical investments in our infrastructure," said Senator Skogen.  "These construction projects are vital to the safety of our roads and bridges."

Some members of the TCAG questioned why the budget shortfall had not been addressed during last month's special session. By waiting to inform lawmakers of the deficit until after the special session was complete, the department limited lawmakers' ability to resolve the deficit without delaying future construction projects.

"The Governor could have prevented this entire mess by working with legislative leaders during the special session," said Senator Skogen.   "Unfortunately, he picked personal politics over good policy."

A bipartisan delegation of more than 20 state senators and staff will be visiting several potential capital investment projects throughout northwestern Minnesota in the coming days. On Thursday, September 27, the tour will visit sites in Fergus Falls, New York Mills, and Wadena.

"We're honored to welcome the members of the Senate's Capital Investment Committee to our community," said Senator Dan Skogen (DFL - Hewitt), who will be joining the committee at several stops on its Thursday itinerary.   "The bonding bill will provide critical investments for dozens of projects across Minnesota. This tour is our opportunity to make the case that these local projects deserve state funding."

Below is a list of sites the committee will visit on September 27, along with their estimated arrival time:

• New York Mills City Hall - 1:00 p.m.
• Wadena Regional Wellness Center - 1:45 p.m.
• Fergus Falls Veterans Home - 3:30 p.m.
• Fergus Falls Library - 4:15 p.m.
• West Central Regional Treatment Center in Fergus Falls - 5:00 p.m.

Committee members expect roughly $4 billion in capital investment requests by the start of the 2008 session in February. Because of debt service limitations, the Legislature is likely to approve $1 billion worth of borrowing; so many tough funding decisions will have to be made. In 2007, the House and Senate passed a capital investment package which funded $334 million in state investment projects, only to see the bill vetoed by Gov. Pawlenty.

"These projects support vital community resources, and will benefit the entire region," said Senator Skogen. "I will work closely with members of the Capital Investment committee to advocate for these projects' inclusion in the Senate's final bonding proposal."