A meeting took place on Thursday evening in Eagan to discuss the state shutdown. Senator Daley, Rep. Anderson, and Rep. Wardlow were invited, but eventually they declined. It was held in the mezzanine room in the arena and about 130 people came.
People were encouraged to make their comments and they would be forwarded to the legislators.
Rebecca was concerned about cuts to health care. She had been a nurse in the psychiatry field, she said they weren’t able to do everything that needed to be done because of all the cuts. She quit because of the horrific situations. She suggested that there be caps on the HMO reserves.
Another speaker asked why the stonewalling on the HMO reserves.
Stan asked what is wrong with the wealthy 2% paying a fair tax. Wayne thinks the Governor’s proposal is reasonable. In that same vein, Greg held a sign that read “Tax the richest 2%.” He also asked “Why do you prefer the one-half percent of the population to the ninety-nine and one-half percent?” Kelly asked “Why do the wealthy get to pay less.”
Eileen said she read about the drop in taxes for the rich. Then reported that 25% of Minnesota kids live in poverty. She doesn’t feel her representatives hear her. “It is like being taxed without representation.” She went on to urge taxes on the rich and also said “I’m willing to pay higher taxes.”
Mark asked “How will cuts to transit attract good paying jobs to Minnesota?” He went on to say that we are already behind cities like Seattle and Portland.
Joe, a MAPE business agent, reported that DEED (Department of Employment and Economic Development) figures show 21,00 filings of unemployment since last Friday. He also said that Food Inspections and Water Inspections have come to a halt since the shutdown.
Wayne asked “Where is the art of negotiation when there is no compromise?”
Joe, an Eagan High School student asked “At what point does making cuts to higher education hurt the job situation?” He wondered if he would even be able to attend college in Minnesota.
These are just a sample of the comments.
The overall consensus was for ending the shutdown and for a balanced approach to maintain the Minnesota we have enjoyed.
In comments to the Property Tax Comittee in the spring of 2010, Governor Wendy Anderson talked about the Minnesota Miracle. They were facing difficult times then, but he and the legislature decided to invest in Minnesota as the solution. We are fortunate they did. That decision provided for a prosperous economy and made Minnesota a leader in many areas. With that example in mind, why are the Republicans so set on doing the opposite now? From all the experts I have heard, a top-level education system is critical to jobs and a prosperous economy. Investing in infrastructure is also essential. The current Republican leadership doesn’t get that either. What is their ultimate goal?
After the testimony, people were encouraged to contact their elected officials about finding a compromise and also to write down their suggestions to help end the shutdown.
It looks like it will take the massive action of citizens to bring about a settlement.