Almanac: At the Capitol

The 2007 legislative session can be a breakthrough session in restoring integrity to the governing process. If everyone gets along, thoughtful legislative policy results will follow within a real strategic vision for Minnesota.

We all know the issues on the agenda: property tax relief, health care, education. But here is what I'd really like to see:

1. First- and second-termers take the lead and use their power for change. They make up over half of the DFL House caucus and a third of the DFL Senate caucus.
   
2. DFL House and Senate leaders work toward a well-publicized common vision for Minnesota. While it is good to let "individual committee chairs do their work," we need to know the vision first. Contrary to scuttlebutt heard around the capitol, this isn't a competition between House and Senate DFLers to be first with ideas or to "win" in conference committee. It is working together for the common good and developing basics for long-term proposals. It is including the governor's proposals where warranted.
   
3. Governor Tim Pawlenty returns to his authentic governing self. He can be innovative and centrist. He can be fun. He can work with DFL'ers, not against.

Happy New Year, everyone!