Local GOP Legislators Looking for 'Solid Reform Ideas'

In an effort to "build on the reforms enacted in the 2011 budget deal" Rep. Keith Downey (R-Edina) and several other GOP legislators are seeking ideas from the public.

Downey—alongside Reps. Jenifer Loon (R-Eden Prairie), Kirk Stensrud (R-Eden Prairie) and Matt Dean (R-Dellwood)—will be hosting a meeting at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, to help generate ideas for a package of bills being called Reform 2.0. The forum is being held at the Hellmuth & Johnson Law office (8050 W. 78th St., Edina), co-sponsored by the and Eden Prairie chambers of commerce.

Downey said the concept stems from the hindsight realization that the 2011 budget included "a number of good, solid reform ideas that Gov. Dayton accepted."

"We truly made some progress last year," Downey said. "If we don't capitalize on that and take the next steps, we will have lost a tremendous opportunity. We need to rethink what we're doing in state government right now to do things better and more cost effectively."

The event is "not about political grandstanding," Downey said. Rather, it's aimed at providing a forum for citizens to pitch specific ideas for ways to reduce regulations, stimulate the business climate and generate some economic recovery.

GOP leaders have already held more than a half-dozen similar Reform 2.0 meetings around the state this fall. Downey said a number of solid ideas have already come from them: streamlining the environmental permitting process, creating a competitive tax climate, improving service at the DMV.

Downey expects the Edina event to have a strong business presence—largely due to the chambers' involvement—and said he looks forward to listening to any ideas locals want to throw his way.

Gov. Dayton has been somewhat critical of the Reform 2.0 push thus far, but has said he remains open to new government efficiencies that improve services. Dayton has made it clear he will not simply make cuts without valid reason.

Downey said he has no reason to expect anything less than teamwork between Dayton and GOP legislators, as it has to be a "shared success model."

"I thought we worked fairly well in spite of the brutal budget process," Downey said. "We can't get anything done if we're not working together on this." 

If You Go

What: Reform 2.0 public input meeting

When: 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3

Where: Hellmuth & Johnson law office (8050 W. 78th St., Edina)

Cost: Free