I am a member of the Democratic majority that renewed our state's commitment to the success of all Minnesotans by addressing public needs like education and transportation.  Here is a brief summary of issues I worked on during the 2007-2008 legislative session.  I will continue to work hard on these and other issues.  I pledge to make a difference for the people of Southeastern Minnesota.

• Making Health Care More Affordable

To reduce the cost of health care, I supported passage of several measures including expansion of Minnesota Care, The Freedom to Breathe Act, and a new statewide prevention program that will improve the health of many Minnesotans.  However, we still do not have universal coverage.  I believe that every Minnesotan should have access to the same kind of health care coverage that State employees have.

• Repairing Roads and Bridges

For many years Minnesota has been falling behind in maintaining its transportation system.  In 2008 I was among those in the Minnesota Legislature who passed and overrode the Governor's veto of a $6.6 billion bill for funding roads, bridges, and mass transit.  Because of this, Houston and Fillmore Counties will receive an additional $10 million and $14 million for road construction. Now we need to reform the way the Minnesota Department of Transportation operates.  Minnesota needs to develop ways to reduce construction and repair costs.

• Improving Public Education

For decades, education has been an important component of our State's economic development.  The cost of providing an education that not only attracts business but also keeps our graduates working in Minnesota have increased.  Since 2003 our public schools have been severely under funded.  In 2007, $800 million more for K-12 education was added to improve our schools, including substantially increasing funding for Special Education.  Another $50 million was added to the formula this year.  I support a new system of funding K-12 education proposed by a coalition of Minnesota education advocacy groups.  This proposal will help reduce the burden on local school districts and local property taxpayers.

• Reducing Property Taxes

Governor Pawlenty has shifted the cost of local government from the State to property taxes.  In 2007, I successfully authored legislation to reduce farm property taxes and voted to increase local government aid.  Unfortunately, the Governor vetoed that legislation.  This year the property tax credit was increased.  I want to change the tax system in Minnesota to make it more fair and progressive by shifting revenue from property and sales tax to income tax.

• Protecting Drinking Water and the Environment

I authored legislation that will update drinking water standards for ten commonly detected ground water contaminants, like the pesticide atrazine, that are detrimental to human health.  I have been a leader in raising concerns about the impact of ethanol on food prices and the environment.  I support adoption of the California clean car emission standards.  I also support more "green" and efficient home construction designs.

• Confronting the Energy Crisis

High energy costs are hurting our state's economy as well as the pocketbooks of many Minnesotan's, especially those on fixed incomes.  Minnesota made big strides the last biennium in promoting renewable energy, conservation, and energy efficiency.  Much more needs to be done to reduce energy consumption and to enhance energy efficiency if we are ever going to reduce high energy costs.  In order to do this we have to break the influence of special interest groups.

• Supporting the Middle Class

More and more Minnesotans are slipping from the middle class into financial crisis.  I helped pass legislation that addressed the mortgage foreclosure crisis by providing funding for increased demand on food shelves and affordable housing.  I authored legislation that was included in the transportation funding bill to provide a gas tax credit to people with low incomes.

Listen and read about my views on other legislative issues by clicking on the following links.

• Audio Commentary

• News and Views

I enjoyed representing you in the Minnesota Legislature the last two years.  It was very challenging.  With our Democratic majority we increased spending on education, passed a transportation funding bill, passed a flood disaster assistance package and tried very hard to reduce property taxes.  We also passed some important healthcare legislation, the Freedom to Breathe Act, and legislation that moves Minnesota ahead in developing our sources of renewable energy.  We are facing big challenges next year.  I hope I have earned your confidence.

With your support, I can continue working on issues that are important to you.  I plan on campaigning hard throughout the district all summer and fall. I will talk about important problems and advocate real solutions.  Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks in advance for your support. 

 Rep. Ken Tschumper