I just mailed out my 2006 Session Review (PDF) which we’ve also added to the left sidebar. The text of it reads:
Dear Friends,
The past few years have been challenging indeed, as we dealt with huge budget shortfalls.
It seems like the media mostly reports about our failures and fighting. But, it’s important for you to know that 90% of the work we do is collegial, non-partisan, and approved by nearly unanimous vote. A good example of this is the eminent domain bill passed this year, which will make it harder for government to take private property for economic development.
As the only Republican senator to chair a committee (Family Law subcommittee), I was able to author a major change in Minnesota’s Child Support law. This new law will become a national model and will reduce some of the conflict in divorce and family cases.
Stadiums received a lot of attention this year. I supported the Twins stadium for two reasons: first, I was convinced that the Twins would move to another state within two years if we didn’t act; second, I believed that most of my constituents supported the Hennepin county sales tax proposal.
The State’s budget situation is greatly improved. Next year, the state will have surpluses again. This is very good news for K-12 and higher education in particular, areas of the budget I’d like to see increased.
I give much of the credit for our state’s economic health to Governor Tim Pawlenty. He forced the legislature to “hold the line” as we dealt with large budget shortfalls during the past four years. Without his leadership, we wouldn’t have the lowest unemployment rate in the U.S. and budget surpluses today!
I rate the 2006 session a B+. We finished the work that needed to be done and more. Thanks for the opportunity to serve you. I love the people and towns of District 25, and am privileged to represent you in the Minnesota Senate.
Tom Neuville
State Senator, District 25
Northfield, MN