Lillie Suburban Newspapers

Voter’s Guide – Rick Hansen

1.The state is facing a projected $1 billion deficit next year.  How do you propose to fix this problem?

I support a balanced approach to solve the deficit.  Past solutions have been one-sided and have had negative consequences for the long-term health of our state.  On the spending side, I propose smarter spending.  This means providing more public awareness and involvement through greater transparency.  The Legislature, Executive Branch and Judicial branch should publish their budgets and spending proposals on-line to provide citizens with the opportunity to see costs.

This is an honest approach.  Rather than hiding the deficits and not taking inflation into account, I will tell the public honestly where the state budget stands and what are the choices we face in balancing it.  I will work with the citizens of the district to meet their needs once we know our budget options.

2.State funding for public education has decreased in recent years.  What action, if any, would you propose to address this situation?

I support public education.  The Legislature needs to meet its commitment to fund K-12 education.  This means funding to reduce class sizes and improve quality.  We need to support special education, English as a Learned Language (ELL) and look at the per pupil funding formula.  The heavy reliance on standardized testing does not take into account that children learn at different rates and levels.  In addition, we need to make higher education more affordable.  The University of Minnesota Board of Regents has made a sound funding proposal to the Legislature.  We should secure their funding proposal to lower tuition increases.

First we need to make sure the lottery is funding the DNR appropriately.  Minnesotans voted for the lottery and its dedicated funding to ensure that their dollar would be spent on the environment.  Minnesota’s public treasures need to be accessible to the public.  They also enhance our tourism potential.  I support a 3/16ths Constitutional Amendment to pay for environmental needs.  The Amendment must have good plan with accountability and it needs sent to the voters for their consideration in 2006.