Letter to the Editor: Rep. Stensrud Addresses New Session

To the editor,

The 2012 legislative session is going to come down to one word which is both simple and enormously complex: Reform.

The simple part about reform is we all understand inefficiencies exist in our government. We can make better use of our tax dollars if we find ways to eliminate duplication, stop performing unnecessary practices and work together across levels of government.

The complex part about reform is that change is difficult. Government has a track record of being far less nimble than families and businesses. Our state is still trying to adjust to our recession, years behind the private sector in making common-sense improvements.

Our aging workforce means change is on the way one way or another. Reports show more Americans will reach age 65 in the next decade than the four previous decades combined. That will leave us with fewer workers supporting a greater percentage non-working citizens.

Government revenue will slow more than overall economic growth. The same crisis European countries are facing in paying for past promises will become an increasingly large problem here unless we take action.

I continue to believe we must shift the budget debate past the old limited choices of cutting spending or raising taxes. Our discussion now must include wider vision to drive economic growth and help government provide better service at a lower cost.

I am addressing the latter with a number of bills I plan to introduce in 2012. One of the first places we can reform is at the Capitol complex itself. A bill I’ve authored revamps back-office procedures at the Capitol to cut costs; more on that later. Other proposals reduce the size of the executive branch and trim the number of legislators. Citizens deserve an opportunity to discuss whether 201 legislators is an appropriate number or if a reduction is in order.

Local input is very important to me as we prepare to make key decisions in these areas and others. Please continue providing me with your thoughts on the issues by emailing rep.kirk.stensrud@house.mn or by calling (651) 296-3964.

Sincerely,
Rep. Kirk Stensrud