This morning I had the great privilege of attending an event at the St. Paul Armory, along with members of the Patriot Guard, to learn about the organization called Honor and Remember. George Lutz, who's son was killed in action has a vision to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. He was on a Minnesota stop as he plans to visit every state in our union with his beautiful, HONOR AND REMEMBER bus.
His website: honorandremember.org states: OUR MISSION -- To establish a tangible national symbol of gratitude, as a visible public reminder to all Americans, that perpetually recognizes all military lives lost in defense of our national freedoms. They have designed a flag to recognise these heroes who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
I had the opportunity to meet three gold star families. This means that their sons or daughters died in the line of duty, serving our great country. It was such a poignant reminder that Freedom isn't Free!...We owe such a debt of gratitude, not only to each one of those who gave their lives, but to the moms, dads, wives, sisters, brothers and children who they leave behind.
Major General Shellato and Lt. Governor Carol Mulneau were among the speakers at toady's event. It was an honor to attend.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The health care bill from a different perspective
On June 14 I had the great privilege to attend a fund raising banquet for Prenatal Partners for Life. This amazing organization helps women and families facing the news that their unborn child will be born with "abnormalities". From anacephaly to trisomy l8, spina bifida to cerebral palsey,and many other conditions, these children will face shortened lifespans or lives that will be challenging and different from "normal". But as Senator Rick Santorum pointed out, these children teach us how to love unconditionally.
This organization was started by a woman named Mary whose child was born with trisomy l8. She has a heart for families who are devasted by the news that their child will be born with a condition that may shorten their lives or bring challenges to their every day lives. She and others reach out to these families with a message of love, support and hope. The evening included a testimony from a mother who was forever changed by the help that she received. There was also a testimony from a woman from Canada named Barb who also had a child born with trisomy 13. Doctors told her and her family that their child would be severely affected and her condition was "not compatible with life". When their daughter Annie was born, she exhibiited none of the signs that doctors had said she would. She had some lung problems, but other than that she was a beautiful baby girl. At the age of 80 days, Barb brought her to the doctor with some minor breathing problems. The doctor said they would not treat her aggressivly and thought she would be fine in a few days. A few days later she had serious breathing difficulties and they returned to the emergency room. Annie was wisked away from the family and a few hours later died. The hospital told them it was because of her trisomy 13 and that this was the expected outcome with her condition. Barb never felt that she had all the information about Annie's final hours. Go to www.whathappenedtoannie.com She tells the story of common practices in Canada with disabled or premature newborns where so many compete for so few health care dollars. How many of us realize that the health care bill that was passed will affect the care of the most vulnerable among us, be it the disabled or the elderly.
Senator Santorum shared his personal faith journey and then about his daughter Isabella. She was also born with trisomy l8 and he told of how the entire family has been impacted in a powerful way by her life. She is not able to communicate verbally with them, but has a joy and love that ministers to each of them. He also shared the concerns about "socialized medicine" and told of doctors in the Netherlands who refused to do any experimental surgery on the disabled or Jewish people during WWII. They were the only European doctors to refuse to do so. Shortly after the war the Netherlands institued socialized medicine and today in the Netherlands, senior citizens wear bracelets that ask that they not be taken to the hospital in an emergency for fear of being euthanized against their wishes.
Prenatal Partners for Life is an organization worthy of our utmost respect. I highly recommend contacting them if you become aware of a family facing a pregnancy with any of these abnormalities. Please check their website to learn more.
This organization was started by a woman named Mary whose child was born with trisomy l8. She has a heart for families who are devasted by the news that their child will be born with a condition that may shorten their lives or bring challenges to their every day lives. She and others reach out to these families with a message of love, support and hope. The evening included a testimony from a mother who was forever changed by the help that she received. There was also a testimony from a woman from Canada named Barb who also had a child born with trisomy 13. Doctors told her and her family that their child would be severely affected and her condition was "not compatible with life". When their daughter Annie was born, she exhibiited none of the signs that doctors had said she would. She had some lung problems, but other than that she was a beautiful baby girl. At the age of 80 days, Barb brought her to the doctor with some minor breathing problems. The doctor said they would not treat her aggressivly and thought she would be fine in a few days. A few days later she had serious breathing difficulties and they returned to the emergency room. Annie was wisked away from the family and a few hours later died. The hospital told them it was because of her trisomy 13 and that this was the expected outcome with her condition. Barb never felt that she had all the information about Annie's final hours. Go to www.whathappenedtoannie.com She tells the story of common practices in Canada with disabled or premature newborns where so many compete for so few health care dollars. How many of us realize that the health care bill that was passed will affect the care of the most vulnerable among us, be it the disabled or the elderly.
Senator Santorum shared his personal faith journey and then about his daughter Isabella. She was also born with trisomy l8 and he told of how the entire family has been impacted in a powerful way by her life. She is not able to communicate verbally with them, but has a joy and love that ministers to each of them. He also shared the concerns about "socialized medicine" and told of doctors in the Netherlands who refused to do any experimental surgery on the disabled or Jewish people during WWII. They were the only European doctors to refuse to do so. Shortly after the war the Netherlands institued socialized medicine and today in the Netherlands, senior citizens wear bracelets that ask that they not be taken to the hospital in an emergency for fear of being euthanized against their wishes.
Prenatal Partners for Life is an organization worthy of our utmost respect. I highly recommend contacting them if you become aware of a family facing a pregnancy with any of these abnormalities. Please check their website to learn more.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Obamacare in Minnesota - What does it look like?
Here is an update for you on what the Democrats are doing regarding health care "reform" in Minnesota. Thanks to Kevin Watterson for this report.
April 28, 2010 Kevin Watterson 651) 296-5989
SMITH: We’ve seen this play before
ST. PAUL – House Republican Deputy Minority Leader Steve Smith, Mound, today criticized Democrats for ramming a health care finance bill through the committee process, pushing the bill through in less than 48 hours. With Tuesday’s Health Care Finance hearing having finished at 1 am Wednesday morning, the bill was back in the full Finance Committee at 8:30 a.m.
“They are jamming this bill through so fast that nonpartisan staff hasn’t even had time to prepare a summary of what’s in the bill,” Smith said Wednesday morning. “I guess they’re operating under the Pelosi principle of we’ll have to pass it so we can find out what’s in it.”
After originally indicating the health and human services bill would be unveiled in the first week of April, Democrats postponed the bill “indefinitely” while awaiting word of how much borrowed money the federal government would send to Minnesota. It wasn’t until mid-day on Monday, April 26 that the public got its first look at the bill and Democrats intend to push it through the committee process early Wednesday, April 28.
“I feel like we’ve seen this play before, except this time it’s directed by the legislative team of Kelliher-Pogemiller instead of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid,” Smith said.
In addition to the clouded process, Smith said that what legislators have been able to learn about the bill isn’t good. One budget-busting provision would enroll Minnesota in Obamacare provisions not intended to go into effect until 2014. Smith, however, pointed out that early enrollment would cost Minnesota taxpayers $1 billion while the state already faces a $5.4 billion long-term deficit. Furthermore, Smith said the fund Democrats hope to find the money for this cost will be bankrupt.
“That’s like writing a $2,000 check knowing that you are already overdrawn. Only Democrats would find that to be an acceptable way to run government, and ultimately it’s taxpayers who lose.”
--30--
Rep. Steve Smith (R-Mound) served as the chair of the Public Safety Committee from 1998-2006 in the Minnesota House of Representatives. His email address is rep.steve.smith@house.mn.
Also available online at www.minnesotahousegop.com.
April 28, 2010 Kevin Watterson 651) 296-5989
SMITH: We’ve seen this play before
ST. PAUL – House Republican Deputy Minority Leader Steve Smith, Mound, today criticized Democrats for ramming a health care finance bill through the committee process, pushing the bill through in less than 48 hours. With Tuesday’s Health Care Finance hearing having finished at 1 am Wednesday morning, the bill was back in the full Finance Committee at 8:30 a.m.
“They are jamming this bill through so fast that nonpartisan staff hasn’t even had time to prepare a summary of what’s in the bill,” Smith said Wednesday morning. “I guess they’re operating under the Pelosi principle of we’ll have to pass it so we can find out what’s in it.”
After originally indicating the health and human services bill would be unveiled in the first week of April, Democrats postponed the bill “indefinitely” while awaiting word of how much borrowed money the federal government would send to Minnesota. It wasn’t until mid-day on Monday, April 26 that the public got its first look at the bill and Democrats intend to push it through the committee process early Wednesday, April 28.
“I feel like we’ve seen this play before, except this time it’s directed by the legislative team of Kelliher-Pogemiller instead of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid,” Smith said.
In addition to the clouded process, Smith said that what legislators have been able to learn about the bill isn’t good. One budget-busting provision would enroll Minnesota in Obamacare provisions not intended to go into effect until 2014. Smith, however, pointed out that early enrollment would cost Minnesota taxpayers $1 billion while the state already faces a $5.4 billion long-term deficit. Furthermore, Smith said the fund Democrats hope to find the money for this cost will be bankrupt.
“That’s like writing a $2,000 check knowing that you are already overdrawn. Only Democrats would find that to be an acceptable way to run government, and ultimately it’s taxpayers who lose.”
--30--
Rep. Steve Smith (R-Mound) served as the chair of the Public Safety Committee from 1998-2006 in the Minnesota House of Representatives. His email address is rep.steve.smith@house.mn.
Also available online at www.minnesotahousegop.com.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Is Aborted Fetal DNA in Vaccines Linked to Autism
Last Wednesday I was invited by Representative Laura Brod to a conference call meeting with Theresa A. Deisher, Ph.D. The purpose of the call was to discuss the vaccine-autism controversy and her recent studies.
Dr. Deisher has an impressive background and credentials. She is an internationally renowned expert in the field of adult stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine, brings 17 years of experience in scientific and corporate leadership positions involving research, discovery, production and commercialization of human therapeutics. Dr. Deisher’s penchant for groundbreaking scientific discovery and her distinguished scientific research has resulted in 23 patents issued. She has published numerous scientific manuscripts and is a frequent invited lecturer and guest speaker in the area of stem cell technology and regenerative medicine.
Throughout her career, Dr. Deisher has been recruited by some of the country’s top biotechnology companies, including Genentech, Repligen, ZymoGenetics, Immunex and Amgen. She has managed and mentored undergraduate honors students, post-doctoral fellows, scientific executives and over 20 research assistants/scientists at all levels of responsibility.
Dr. Deisher graduated with honors and distinction from Stanford University, and obtained her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Physiology from Stanford University.
Subsequent to obtaining her Ph.D from Stanford, Dr. Deisher was recruited by Repligen Corporation (Cambridge, MA) and accepted a position as Research Scientist where she managed a staff of associates and scientists and directed the development of research and clinical assays in support of Phase I and Phase II clinical trials for various Repligen developmental efforts. Additionally, Dr. Deisher was selected by Sr. Management to participate in strategic alliance initiatives, including serving on the Repligen / Eily Lilly joint development committee.
Following Repligen, Dr. Deisher accepted a position at ZymoGenetics, Inc (Seattle, WA) as Sr. Scientist, Cardiovascular Biology. While at ZymoGenetics, Dr. Deisher’s research and discovery in the area of cardiovascular biology led to the filing of dozens of patents. Dr. Deisher was the first person world-wide to identify and patent stem cells from the adult heart, including what are now called ‘very small embryonic-like stem cells’. Her discovery remains one of the most significant discoveries in the area of stem cell research. Within the field of regenerative medicine, Dr. Deisher is also a patented inventor of the most potent mesenchymal growth factor ever identified (licensed to Serono for clinical development), and of the use of cytokines to mobilize adult embryonic-like cells.
Following ZymoGenetics, Dr. Deisher was named Sr. Staff Scientist, Vascular Biology at Immunex (Seattle, WA) where she was the project leader for both the Antithrombotic division and the Inflammation and Myocardial Repair division.
Dr. Deisher was named Principal Scientist at Amgen, Inc. (Seattle, WA) following Amgen’s acquisition of Immunex. She led multi-disciplinary teams working on the biology and commercial development of novel co-stimulatory pathways involved in the initiation and progression of cardiac failure. Her research interests encompassed stem cell therapies for myocardial regeneration. Additionally, Dr Deisher introduced revolutionary non-invasive imaging technologies for pre-clinical research to the company, including ultrasound (echocardiography) and near-infrared imaging. As a result, the company was honored as an official ‘Site of Excellence’ by Philips Medical for her department’s pioneering work.
Most recently, Dr. Deisher served as Vice President of Research and Development for Cellcyte Genetics Corporation, a post she held until October 2007 prior to founding AVM Biotechnology.
Dr. Deisher spoke with us for nearly an hour and the first thing that struck me, was that most people had never heard that aborted fetal DNA was used in the manufacturing of vaccines. This is morally reprehensible to me and appeared to be to the other legislators in the room as well. Because there has been a concern with the increase in autism, recent literature suggests that l out of 100 children are now impacted by autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Deisher has been studying the link and wants to alert the public about the possible dangers, as well as the wrenching moral dilemmas for parents and consumers.
How could the contaminating aborted fetal DNA create problems? According to Dr. Deisher, "It created the potential for autoimmune responses and/or inappropriate insertion into our own genomes through a process called recombination. There are groups researching the potential link between this DNA and autoimmune diseases such as juvenile(type I) diabetes, multiple sclerosis and lupus." Her organization, Sound Choice Pharmaceutical Institute is focused on studying the quantity, characteristics and genomic recombination of the aborted fetal DNA found in many of our vaccines.
Dr. Deisher also asks the following questions: "Could genomic insertion of the aborted fetal DNA, found in some of our childhood vaccines since 1979 be an environmental trigger for autism? Could the fact that genes critical for nerve synapse formation and nervous system development found on the X chromosome provide some explanation of why autism is predominantly a disease found in boys? Could the "hot spots" identified in these autism associated genes be sites for insertion of contamination aborted fetal DNA?"
These are important questions and I am glad that this issue has been brought to the attention of the legislature. I will inform you in the future of further developments.
Dr. Deisher has an impressive background and credentials. She is an internationally renowned expert in the field of adult stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine, brings 17 years of experience in scientific and corporate leadership positions involving research, discovery, production and commercialization of human therapeutics. Dr. Deisher’s penchant for groundbreaking scientific discovery and her distinguished scientific research has resulted in 23 patents issued. She has published numerous scientific manuscripts and is a frequent invited lecturer and guest speaker in the area of stem cell technology and regenerative medicine.
Throughout her career, Dr. Deisher has been recruited by some of the country’s top biotechnology companies, including Genentech, Repligen, ZymoGenetics, Immunex and Amgen. She has managed and mentored undergraduate honors students, post-doctoral fellows, scientific executives and over 20 research assistants/scientists at all levels of responsibility.
Dr. Deisher graduated with honors and distinction from Stanford University, and obtained her Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Physiology from Stanford University.
Subsequent to obtaining her Ph.D from Stanford, Dr. Deisher was recruited by Repligen Corporation (Cambridge, MA) and accepted a position as Research Scientist where she managed a staff of associates and scientists and directed the development of research and clinical assays in support of Phase I and Phase II clinical trials for various Repligen developmental efforts. Additionally, Dr. Deisher was selected by Sr. Management to participate in strategic alliance initiatives, including serving on the Repligen / Eily Lilly joint development committee.
Following Repligen, Dr. Deisher accepted a position at ZymoGenetics, Inc (Seattle, WA) as Sr. Scientist, Cardiovascular Biology. While at ZymoGenetics, Dr. Deisher’s research and discovery in the area of cardiovascular biology led to the filing of dozens of patents. Dr. Deisher was the first person world-wide to identify and patent stem cells from the adult heart, including what are now called ‘very small embryonic-like stem cells’. Her discovery remains one of the most significant discoveries in the area of stem cell research. Within the field of regenerative medicine, Dr. Deisher is also a patented inventor of the most potent mesenchymal growth factor ever identified (licensed to Serono for clinical development), and of the use of cytokines to mobilize adult embryonic-like cells.
Following ZymoGenetics, Dr. Deisher was named Sr. Staff Scientist, Vascular Biology at Immunex (Seattle, WA) where she was the project leader for both the Antithrombotic division and the Inflammation and Myocardial Repair division.
Dr. Deisher was named Principal Scientist at Amgen, Inc. (Seattle, WA) following Amgen’s acquisition of Immunex. She led multi-disciplinary teams working on the biology and commercial development of novel co-stimulatory pathways involved in the initiation and progression of cardiac failure. Her research interests encompassed stem cell therapies for myocardial regeneration. Additionally, Dr Deisher introduced revolutionary non-invasive imaging technologies for pre-clinical research to the company, including ultrasound (echocardiography) and near-infrared imaging. As a result, the company was honored as an official ‘Site of Excellence’ by Philips Medical for her department’s pioneering work.
Most recently, Dr. Deisher served as Vice President of Research and Development for Cellcyte Genetics Corporation, a post she held until October 2007 prior to founding AVM Biotechnology.
Dr. Deisher spoke with us for nearly an hour and the first thing that struck me, was that most people had never heard that aborted fetal DNA was used in the manufacturing of vaccines. This is morally reprehensible to me and appeared to be to the other legislators in the room as well. Because there has been a concern with the increase in autism, recent literature suggests that l out of 100 children are now impacted by autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Deisher has been studying the link and wants to alert the public about the possible dangers, as well as the wrenching moral dilemmas for parents and consumers.
How could the contaminating aborted fetal DNA create problems? According to Dr. Deisher, "It created the potential for autoimmune responses and/or inappropriate insertion into our own genomes through a process called recombination. There are groups researching the potential link between this DNA and autoimmune diseases such as juvenile(type I) diabetes, multiple sclerosis and lupus." Her organization, Sound Choice Pharmaceutical Institute is focused on studying the quantity, characteristics and genomic recombination of the aborted fetal DNA found in many of our vaccines.
Dr. Deisher also asks the following questions: "Could genomic insertion of the aborted fetal DNA, found in some of our childhood vaccines since 1979 be an environmental trigger for autism? Could the fact that genes critical for nerve synapse formation and nervous system development found on the X chromosome provide some explanation of why autism is predominantly a disease found in boys? Could the "hot spots" identified in these autism associated genes be sites for insertion of contamination aborted fetal DNA?"
These are important questions and I am glad that this issue has been brought to the attention of the legislature. I will inform you in the future of further developments.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Wasteful spending, misplaced priorities
Today, I had the privilege of shadowing one of the great conservatives in the Minnesota House, Mark Buesgennes and spent the afternoon on the floor listening to debate on House File 2624.
The majority party passed the LCCMR(Legislative Citizen Commision on Minnesota Resources) bill which funds environmental projects using state lottery proceeds. Unfortunately, wasteful projects made their way into the bill. There were a series of amendments offered by Republicans to challenge the wasteful spending of this money. When one Republican challenged the use of the "hard earned tax dollars", DFL Representative Wagenius countered with a statement, that these were not "hard-earned" but "easy dollars, because they are gambling dollars". Below are some examples of what the DFL voted to spend these dollars on:
Will Steger's Global Warming Adventures
"$250,000 is from the trust fund to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Will Steger Foundation
to provide curriculum, teacher training,
online learning, and grants to schools
on investigating the connection between
Minnesota's changing climate and the
impacts on ecosystems and natural resources."
Bird Breeding Maps
"$372,000 is from the trust fund to continue
development of a statewide survey of
Minnesota breeding bird distribution and
create related publications, including a book
and online atlas with distribution maps
and breeding status."
Unique Microbe Characterization
"$545,000 is from the trust fund to the Board
of Regents of the University of Minnesota
to characterize unique microbes discovered
in the Soudan Underground Mine State Park... "
"Fragile" Granite Ecosystem Protection
"$1,800,000 is from the trust fund to the
Board of Water and Soil Resources, in
cooperation with the Renville Soil and Water
Conservation District, to continue to acquire
perpetual easements of unique granite rock
outcrops, located in the Upper Minnesota
River Valley."
Show Teachers How to Use a Digital Camera
"$160,000 is from the trust fund to the
commissioner of natural resources to hold
teacher training workshops on the use of
digital photography as a tool for learning
about nature."
"Hey Kids, Go Outside!"
"$15,000 is from the trust fund to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Project Get Outdoors, Inc. to
develop out of school programs connecting
children to local nature experiences."
Cross-cultural Fishing
"$155,000 is from the trust fund to the
commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Association for
the Advancement of Hmong Women
in Minnesota to provide environmental
information and teaching skills to and
increase participation of Southeast Asian
communities through the gateway of fishing
skills."
The majority party passed the LCCMR(Legislative Citizen Commision on Minnesota Resources) bill which funds environmental projects using state lottery proceeds. Unfortunately, wasteful projects made their way into the bill. There were a series of amendments offered by Republicans to challenge the wasteful spending of this money. When one Republican challenged the use of the "hard earned tax dollars", DFL Representative Wagenius countered with a statement, that these were not "hard-earned" but "easy dollars, because they are gambling dollars". Below are some examples of what the DFL voted to spend these dollars on:
Will Steger's Global Warming Adventures
"$250,000 is from the trust fund to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with the Will Steger Foundation
to provide curriculum, teacher training,
online learning, and grants to schools
on investigating the connection between
Minnesota's changing climate and the
impacts on ecosystems and natural resources."
Bird Breeding Maps
"$372,000 is from the trust fund to continue
development of a statewide survey of
Minnesota breeding bird distribution and
create related publications, including a book
and online atlas with distribution maps
and breeding status."
Unique Microbe Characterization
"$545,000 is from the trust fund to the Board
of Regents of the University of Minnesota
to characterize unique microbes discovered
in the Soudan Underground Mine State Park... "
"Fragile" Granite Ecosystem Protection
"$1,800,000 is from the trust fund to the
Board of Water and Soil Resources, in
cooperation with the Renville Soil and Water
Conservation District, to continue to acquire
perpetual easements of unique granite rock
outcrops, located in the Upper Minnesota
River Valley."
Show Teachers How to Use a Digital Camera
"$160,000 is from the trust fund to the
commissioner of natural resources to hold
teacher training workshops on the use of
digital photography as a tool for learning
about nature."
"Hey Kids, Go Outside!"
"$15,000 is from the trust fund to the
commissioner of natural resources for an
agreement with Project Get Outdoors, Inc. to
develop out of school programs connecting
children to local nature experiences."
Cross-cultural Fishing
"$155,000 is from the trust fund to the
commissioner of natural resources for
an agreement with the Association for
the Advancement of Hmong Women
in Minnesota to provide environmental
information and teaching skills to and
increase participation of Southeast Asian
communities through the gateway of fishing
skills."
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Julie Bunn's latest vote on GAMC - abortion funding!
This is an interesting request from MCCL
MCCL.ORG
DONATE
Dear Pro-Life Friend,
Last week the Minnesota State House of Representatives voted to continue taxpayer funded abortions as part of the state’s General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) program. Your representative, Julie Bunn, cast her vote on Feb. 18 against the pro-life “Fritz Amendment” that would have prevented taxpayer funded abortions. The pro-life amendment died on a 67 to 67 tie vote!
Rep. Bunn cast the decisive vote to continue taxpayer funded abortions in the GAMC program.
While the GAMC program is not supposed to cover abortions, the Minnesota Department of Human Services reported that in 2007, there were 68 taxpayer funded abortions covered by this program. These are lives that could have been saved.
Please contact Rep. Bunn. The message can be very simple: Abortion is not health care and the GAMC program should not pay for any abortions.
Thank you for your support of life. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact MCCL.
Sincerely,
Leo F. LaLonde
President
MCCL.ORG
DONATE
Dear Pro-Life Friend,
Last week the Minnesota State House of Representatives voted to continue taxpayer funded abortions as part of the state’s General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) program. Your representative, Julie Bunn, cast her vote on Feb. 18 against the pro-life “Fritz Amendment” that would have prevented taxpayer funded abortions. The pro-life amendment died on a 67 to 67 tie vote!
Rep. Bunn cast the decisive vote to continue taxpayer funded abortions in the GAMC program.
While the GAMC program is not supposed to cover abortions, the Minnesota Department of Human Services reported that in 2007, there were 68 taxpayer funded abortions covered by this program. These are lives that could have been saved.
Please contact Rep. Bunn. The message can be very simple: Abortion is not health care and the GAMC program should not pay for any abortions.
Thank you for your support of life. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact MCCL.
Sincerely,
Leo F. LaLonde
President
Thursday, February 18, 2010
You have to see it to believe it!!!
Last night using a rare parliamentary maneuver, House Democrats voted to gag the people of Minnesota in order to pass a billion dollar debt bill without debate. See video here.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
We're back in session - State of the State with Governor Pawlenty
The House is now back in session as of February 4, 2010 and it's time to watch your pocketbooks once again. With deficits looming and unemployment near 10%, the ecomony of Minnesota is fragile to say the least. It was exciting to be on the floor for the opening day and to hear from the Republicans, just exactly what the game plan for this 2010 session will be. This first day of session proved to be rather uneventful on the House Floor. House Minority Leader Kurt Zellers’ family was there and his young son was able to hit the gavel to begin the House Session. As the Republicans discussed their strategy for this year, the resounding theme was making Minnesota a job and business friendly state once again. “Live within our means” No new taxes” and “No unnecessary spending” are the themes as this year embarks.
On Thursday, Governor Pawlenty gave his final State of the State message to the House and the Senate. He was quick to point out that the most important thing happening this week was not the “State of the State” message, but the return of the Minnesota National Guard Red Bulls that arrived home at various times throughout this week. He praised them for their hard work and selflessness in serving to keep our country safe.
The Governor’s first point was that the true source of economic recovery would not be BIGGER Government. The people from this state who have been successful in creating jobs in the past were the same ones, along with new people who would create them in the future. We need to get out of their way and make it easier for them, NOT harder. The tax code in Minnesota is antiquated and needs reform.
He pointed out that Minnesota is the 8th worse place in the nation to do business. We have the third highest corporate taxes in the developed world. The Minnesota tax system is killing jobs. We need to go in a Pro- growth, Pro- job direction. He would like to expand the JobZ program to include car manufacturing and keep the Ford Plant in St. Paul here along with those jobs.
He said we need to reduce government spending which leads to tax increases and kills jobs. Since he was born in 1960, government in Minnesota has grown 21% every two years. Companies make decision to grow and create jobs based on where they can make money. Competitive forces will demand MN compete and will be left behind if they don’t.
Our state government spends $43 million every day, and that is 2.3 million more than we take in each day. This is obviously unsustainable.
What are the solutions to this budget deficit and how do we make room for savings?
The Governor said, "The unallotments cannot be restored." He said that we need to focus our spending on the military and K12 education. We need to look at cutting the time for the permitting process, schools need to focus on performance for teachers, and he spoke of the Teaching Tranformation Act. This would reform teacher tenure and link evaluations to student performance. He said, "We don’t raise the value of education by lowering the standards."
Other proiorities for the governor would be in regard to Health Care. Minnesota has led the way in putting the Consumer in the center of health care decisions, costs, quality, and paying for better outcomes.
We need to have the ability to purchase health insurance across state lines, fostering competition.
And we need to overhaul our publicly subsidized health care – Minnesota Care and Medical Assistance.
We need to get sexual predators off our streets and double the time they serve for their crimes.
We need to assure our military are able to vote and have their votes counted on time.
He ended quoting the Preamble to the Minnesota Constitution:
"We, the people of the state of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings and secure the same to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution".
Governor Pawlenty has done an outstanding service to the State of Minnesota and I am grateful for his leadership over the past seven years. I look forward to his strong voice for this year to get Minnesota back to work.
On Thursday, Governor Pawlenty gave his final State of the State message to the House and the Senate. He was quick to point out that the most important thing happening this week was not the “State of the State” message, but the return of the Minnesota National Guard Red Bulls that arrived home at various times throughout this week. He praised them for their hard work and selflessness in serving to keep our country safe.
The Governor’s first point was that the true source of economic recovery would not be BIGGER Government. The people from this state who have been successful in creating jobs in the past were the same ones, along with new people who would create them in the future. We need to get out of their way and make it easier for them, NOT harder. The tax code in Minnesota is antiquated and needs reform.
He pointed out that Minnesota is the 8th worse place in the nation to do business. We have the third highest corporate taxes in the developed world. The Minnesota tax system is killing jobs. We need to go in a Pro- growth, Pro- job direction. He would like to expand the JobZ program to include car manufacturing and keep the Ford Plant in St. Paul here along with those jobs.
He said we need to reduce government spending which leads to tax increases and kills jobs. Since he was born in 1960, government in Minnesota has grown 21% every two years. Companies make decision to grow and create jobs based on where they can make money. Competitive forces will demand MN compete and will be left behind if they don’t.
Our state government spends $43 million every day, and that is 2.3 million more than we take in each day. This is obviously unsustainable.
What are the solutions to this budget deficit and how do we make room for savings?
The Governor said, "The unallotments cannot be restored." He said that we need to focus our spending on the military and K12 education. We need to look at cutting the time for the permitting process, schools need to focus on performance for teachers, and he spoke of the Teaching Tranformation Act. This would reform teacher tenure and link evaluations to student performance. He said, "We don’t raise the value of education by lowering the standards."
Other proiorities for the governor would be in regard to Health Care. Minnesota has led the way in putting the Consumer in the center of health care decisions, costs, quality, and paying for better outcomes.
We need to have the ability to purchase health insurance across state lines, fostering competition.
And we need to overhaul our publicly subsidized health care – Minnesota Care and Medical Assistance.
We need to get sexual predators off our streets and double the time they serve for their crimes.
We need to assure our military are able to vote and have their votes counted on time.
He ended quoting the Preamble to the Minnesota Constitution:
"We, the people of the state of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings and secure the same to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution".
Governor Pawlenty has done an outstanding service to the State of Minnesota and I am grateful for his leadership over the past seven years. I look forward to his strong voice for this year to get Minnesota back to work.
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