8.0. SR 07-18-2005
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BETSY WERGIN
State Senator, District 16
125 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155-1206
(651) 296-8075
Fax: (651) 296-9441
Home:
14021 - 311th Avenue
Princeton, MN 55371
(763) 389-3843
JUt 1 5 2005
Senate
State of Minnesota
July 12,2005
Pat Klaers
City Administrator
Elk River City
13065 Orono Pkwy
Elk River City, MN 55330
Dear Pat,
After a period of over six months the Legislature has completed the work of crafting the
state budget for the next biennium. Although I have some real concerns about how the
process went, the end result is pretty good.
To the best of my knowledge the Minnesota Legislature has never been as evenly divided
between Republicans and Democrats as it is this year. There are 101 DFL members and
100 Republicans when the numbers of both bodies are added together. The House has a
Republican Majority and the Senate has a DFL Majority. Ultimately, both bodies have to
pass identical bills and the Governor has to sign the final bill. The final votes on these
major bills were nearly unanimous. I do not know of anyone who is completely happy
with the final agreement which leads me to believe everyone had to give. That is how it
should be in true negotiations and compromise agreements.
In 2003 when the Legislature faced a $4.5 Billion deficit Local Government Aid was cut.
I am pleased to let you know this year $48 Million was added to LGA. There is a partial
spread sheet enclosed which shows the distribution to your city.
If you have any questions regarding LGA or any other issue please do not hesitate to
contact me at any time.
Thank you for your service to our local area.
;~~
State Senator
COMMITTEES: Agriculture, General Legislation, & Veteran Affairs; State & Local Government Operations:
and E-12 Education Budget. Early Childhood Policy & Budget
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