Minneapolis City Council Member Ralph Remington to step down

Minneapolis City Councilman Ralph Remington who represent 10th ward made a surprise announcement today that he is stepping down after serving only one term.

He feels that he has done his work in the City Hall getting all of his projects done. His projects were development plan for Uptown area (completed) and Lyn-Lake business area (still in progress).

Other two council members has announced their retirement was Scott Benson (11th ward) and Paul Ostrow (1st ward).

He just don’t want to consider being on City Council as lifelong public civil service. He is thinking about getting jobs in either politics or arts. He used to be actor, arts director and very involved with arts. He also just wants to have his own life and move on.

His quote in Minneapolis Star Tribune was "Obviously I was trying to be a voice for African-American residents since there's only two blacks on the City Council."

He was only Council Member that voted against appointment of Tin Dolan as Chief of Police for Minneapolis Police Department.

On April 10th the tenth ward DFL will have endorsing convention.

Entenza to enter 2010 Governor’s race

Former State Rep. Matt Entenza have filed papers with the State to form a committee so he could run for Governor.

Entenza served in House from 1995 to 2006 and ran for Attorney General in 2006 until the scandal broke out caused him to quit Attorney General race. He served as a Minority Leader when the Republicans had control of Minnesota House of Representatives. Currently, he chairs the Minnesota 2020, think tank.

Updated list of St. Paul DFL Caucus/Ward Convention

Here is updated list of Precinct Caucuses and Ward Conventions.

St. Paul DFL Precinct Caucuses and Ward Conventions will be held Tuesday Feb 3rd at 7pm around Saint Paul.

Ward 1 - Rondo Education Center; 560 Concordia Ave., 55103

Ward 2 - Humboldt High School; 30 Baker St., 55107

Ward 3 - Highland Park Jr. High School; 975 S. Snelling Ave., 55116

Ward 4 - Hancock Elementary School; 1599 Englewood Ave., 55104

Ward 5 - Como High School; 740 Rose Ave. W, 55117

Ward 6 - Johnson High School; 1349 Arcade Ave., 55106

Ward 7 - Harding High School; 1540 E Sixth St., 55106

Unsure which ward you live in? Go to Ramsey County Precinct Finder.

South Dakota School for the Deaf is going to close

Our neighbor, South Dakota will lose their own deaf school. South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds decided to shut down South Dakota School for the Deaf (SDSD) which is located in Sioux Falls due to budget cuts. A source told me that due to lack of enrollment is other factor that affect Gov. Rounds to shut down SDSD. Several deaf schools have been shutting around the nation as well.

You could read about it here.

Minnesota is very lucky that Governor Tim Pawlenty haven't close Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf (MSAD) which is located in Faribault, about 45 minutes south from Twin Cities. in 1980's Gov. Rudy Perpich attempted to shut down MSAD but after huge protest, he just basically gave up.

Coleman has other gig but is with Republican Jewish Coalition

Former US Senator Norm Coleman have taken job with Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) as a consultant and strategic adviser. He won’t be doing any lobbying and his jobs are: will advise RJC on policy, help with recruiting and deliver speeches around the country.

While he is working for RJC, he will still fight to keep his US Senate seat in the court.

An Open Letter to Obama in American Sign Language (Subtitled for signing-impaired)

Good news for deaf people! Someone has came up with name sign for Barack Obama. The clip also is subtitled for signing-impaired people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67V8qWQd_EM&eurl=http://www.alldeaf.com/pictures-videos/61091-name-sign-president-obama-asl-subtitled.html#post1220630&feature=player_embedded

After 65 years, inspirational leader in nation's deaf-blind community retires

Since I am deafblind person and it is interesting article so I am going to post it here. It was in Minneapolis Star Tribune on 1/17/09.

After 65 years, inspirational LI leader in nation's deaf-blind community retires

By FRANK ELTMAN , Associated Press
Last update: January 17, 2009 - 3:35 AM

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. - His memories of Helen Keller are vivid, if not entirely favorable: She had big hands, a forceful personality, and not much of a sense of humor.

But none of that kept Bob Smithdas from working with Keller, icon of the deaf and blind, to persuade Congress to create and fund the Helen Keller National Center in the 1960s. At the Sands Point facility, people who are deaf and blind — as is Smithdas — are taught a range of life skills from communicating to cooking so they can live wherever they want to.

Smithdas, 83, retired Friday as the center's director of community education, a post that capped a 65-year-career as an inspiration and an instigator for improvements in the way deaf and blind people lead their lives.

"There have been two giant role models for the deaf-blind person over the last century: Helen Keller and Bob Smithdas," said Carl Augusto, president and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind.

In honor of his retirement, Smithdas has been cited in a congressional resolution sponsored by Rep. Gary Ackerman. In addition, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has declared Friday "Robert Smithdas Day" in honor of the western Pennsylvania native.

Smithdas was the first deaf-blind man to receive a college degree, graduating from St. John's University 50 years after Keller got her bachelor's from Radcliffe. He was the first deaf-blind person to earn a master's degree (NYU, 1953). He has four honorary degrees from universities around the country.

In 1965, he was named "Handicapped American of the Year" by the President's Committee on Employment of People Who Are Disabled. A decade later, he married Michelle Craig, who also is deaf and blind; she works as an instructor at the Keller Center.

"I feel that what I was doing was creating a pathway for other deaf-blind people to follow," he said during an interview at a diner near his Port Washington home. An interpreter used hand-in-hand signals to communicate with him.

Smithdas lost his nearly all his hearing and sight when he was about 4 after contracting cerebrospinal meningitis. The language he had learned up to then deteriorated, and he was taught Tadoma, a method of communication in which the deaf-blind person places his thumb on the speaker's lips and his fingers along the jawline to understand what is being said.

It led to an unhappy encounters with Keller.

"I had heard that Helen could speak and I wanted to feel her speak, so I reached out to put my hands on her face, hoping that she would speak to me that way," Smithdas recalls. "But to my surprise she slapped my hand away. I wasn't amused. I thought it was a crude gesture."

Smithdas began writing poems as a youngster and has published two collections, "City of the Heart" (1966) and "Shared Beauty" (1983). The Poetry Society of America named him Poet of the Year for 1960-61.

He has also written an autobiography, "Life at My Fingertips."

"I was a model, a representative of the deaf-blind community," he says. "Even if I didn't know it."

Smithdas said he and others had been arguing for a decade for a place like the Keller Center, but it took a rubella outbreak in 1963 and 1964, which produced thousands of deaf-blind babies, to get the center opened.

Joseph McNulty, executive director of the Keller Center, remembers meeting a mother who was touring the facility.

"She came out of Bob's office crying. She told me that when her daughter was born, and she learned she was deaf-blind, reading Bob's life story kept her sane. She said, `Finally meeting him brought me to tears.'"

Journalist Barbara Walters, who spoke at Smithdas' retirement luncheon Friday, said Smithdas was remarkable.

"Truly, the most memorable person I had ever met was Robert Smithdas," she said. "I remember going to Bob's house, and he cooked me a meal. I was amazed he was able to do this and didn't burn his hands."

Obama get to keep his BlackBerry after all

Barack Obama will get to keep his BlackBerry for good. After pressure from lawyers and some people for security reasons, he decided not to give up his BlackBerry because he wants to keep in touch with people. He is first President in office to use cell phone or pager so he is more advanced with technology than any other previous Presidents in Oval Office. He said he would carefully think about what he writes in e-mail before press “send” button because CNN could show what he write in e-mail.

Need some ideas or events information from Republicans

Attention Republicans!
I would like to post your events here since this blog is for everyone not just DFL or Democrats as I stated it is non partisan blog. I am not taking any sides, that just its one stop for all Minnesota Political junkies to check events out or read news. If you have any stories or events that you would like to see here, just email me at senatoreggert@yahoo.com and I will post them here. I appreciate your help and contribution.

I am trying to keep this blog much as non-partisan as I could. The problem that according to Minnesota GOP Party website, there are no events listed so I am trying to get some event information from Republicans.

Text of Obama's Inaugural Speech

Tuesday, January 20, 2009: Text of President Obama's Inaugural speech:

OBAMA: My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.

Senate District 37 DFL Special Convention

SD37 DFL Convention Burnhaven Library
Senate District 37 Convention & Officer Elections
Electing SD37 Chair, Associate Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Affirmative Action Office and various vacant Director positions.

Various elected officials have been invited to speak.
Event Contact: Roberta Gibbons, SD37 Convention Coordinator, PRGibb@aol.com or 952-432-5976

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2009 Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Address:1101 Country Road 42Burnsville, MN 55306

Minneapolis DFL Precinct Caucus date set

I am sure Minneapolis DFLers are wondering when and will they have their own caucus. I had to dig deeper and its good news because I know this is election year for Minneapolis as well. Yes they do have caucus but on usual 1st Tuesday of March. It’s March 3rd at 7:00 PM. That all I could find for now. If I hear any more information, I will post update at later date.

Update on Kennedy's condition

Update on Kennedy story I broke out earlier today. US Senator Ted Kennedy had mild seizure at today’s luncheon but are expected to be discharged tomorrow after overnight of observation at a hospital.

Former Vice President Walter Mondale was sitting at same table as Kennedy and they was trading stories about US Senate then somehow he suddenly had seizure.

Sens. Chris Dodd, D-Connecticut, Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and John Kerry D-Massachusetts accompanied Kennedy to an ambulance.

Personal experince stories from Inauguration needed!

I would like to cover inauguration events- I need people who are in DC now or went to Inaugural watching parties to share their experience on my blog.

I will use your name as credit as well. You can submit some pictures as well and I will select what is best picture to put up on my blog.

You can submit your stories, pictures to me at senatoreggert@yahoo.com Thank you and hope to hear from you all!

Inaugural Website online

A source told me about inaugural website for today’s events. It even was closed captioned for swearing in ceremony that was held earlier today and it was shown live. There are contents such as seating chart for ticket holders, history, and lot of things that you would want to learn more. It even was accessible to blind people via audio and I must say this website is really good and very good accessible for disabled people.

Inaugural Website

Check out the White House website!

White House website has changed from Bush-Cheney Administration to Obama-Biden Administration couple of hours ago. Lot of contents on the website was quickly changed so check it out! History contents will remain the same with previous administrations in case if you want to read about past presidents.

White House website

BREAKING NEWS: SENATOR KENNEDY COLLPASED!

US Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) collapsed at Congressional luncheon to honor President Barack Obama today. The luncheon was held at Capitol's Statuary Hall and the paramedics were called to the scene at 2:35 P.M. ET. More details will come later.

Two Legislative Leaders and at least 6 legislators go to Washington

House Speaker Maragret Anderson Kelliher, and Majority Leader Tony Sertich and at least six Minnesota State Legislators are heading to Washington D.C. to witness Barack Obama being sworn in as presideent.

Champlin Park High School students go to Washington.

43 Champlin Park High School Students and six adults are heading to Washington D.C. to observe most historic event in lifetime watching Barack Obama being sworn in as first African American president. They are part of Advanced Placement (AP) American Government class planning for three months to travel to D.C.

You could read it at KARE 11.

Coleman's office to remain open until Feburary 4, 2009.

Good News for Norm Coleman fanatics...

His offices in St. Paul and Washington DC will remain open until February 9, 2009. The US Senate and court ordered the office to remain open so staff can archive and transfer constituent case files.

Coleman want his office to open for 60 more days to finish up about 400 constituent requests instead of referring them to other US Senator Amy Klobuchar or other Minnesota Representatives.

Coleman's offices was closed on January 5 after State Canvassing Board declared Al Franken a winner but Coleman chose to file lawsuit. The Senate Election is tied up in court's hands as right now.

Many of cases are being handed to Senator Klobuchar's office.

Mark Dayton to consider run for Governor in 2010

Mark Dayton is in news again...

This time he is deciding to run for Governor in 2010. He has already filed papers last Friday with the state.

Dayton, who served as DFL Party State Chair in 1980's, served one term as State Auditor and US Senator. He didn't seek re-election in 2006 because his popularity went down due to the closing of his office in 2004 after anthrax and terrorist threat that made him to shut his office for awhile. He did ran for Governor in 1998 but failed to secure DFL Endorsement.

He plan to join crowded race. Who has already filed paperwork: Sen. John Marty of Roseville; Sen. Tom Bakk of Cook; Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner; Rep. Paul Thissen of Minneapolis, and frequent candidate Ole Savior.

Others mentioned as possible DFL candidates include House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher of Minneapolis; Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak; St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman; former House Minority Leader Matt Entenza of St. Paul, and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark of St. Cloud.

Dayton is going to tour the state and talk with citizens of Minnesota. He is not happy with Pawlenty's current plan and how budget are right now.

This time he won't self finance his own campaign like in the past and he is going to seek contributions from various of sources.

Pawlenty who is in his second term as Governor haven't decided what to do next.

Week three at the Capitol 1/19/09-1/23/09

Week three will be very short due to Dr. Martin Luther King Day and Inauguration of Barack Obama so the week will be filled with bunch of committee hearings. Floor session will be on Thursday: House at 10:30AM and Senate at 11:00AM. Only special event at the Capitol would be Legislative Reference Library's 40th birthday bash on the 21st from 3:00 to 5:00 PM and the public is welcomed. You may go to http://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/lrl.asp for more information.

If you know there are any other events going on, just email me at senatoreggert@yahoo.com and I will try to add in other articles.

Rach's day at the Capitol

Hello folks, I know I wanted to write about my day at the Capitol a couple of days ago but I had other things to do away from computer so I am back and writing about my day at the Capitol for State of the State Address.

The day was really cold with subzero weather and less ideal to take city bus but I still had to take bus since its my mode of transportation. It took me 1 1/2 hour, three buses, avoided two car in ditches and two spinning cars on the way but I made to the State Capitol by 10:30 AM so I could be warmed up and ready to meet my friend, Rep. Marsha Swails by 11:00 AM in Rotunda.

When I got upstairs to the Rotunda area, not many people just a couple of lobbyists and a capitol tour guide plus a couple of security folks with a bomb sniffing dog. They all was happy to see me again.

After meeting Rep. Swails, we went upstairs to DFL Caucus meeting for House members and on the way to the caucus, people was surprised to see me back and some was thinking that I was at the Capitol to work. I sat in between of two good friends: Reps Erin Murphy and Jeff Hayden. The room was totally packed full with House members from DFL party. Rep, Tony Sertich and Mindy Geriling was speaking about what to expect from Governor's speech. When they asked if there was any announcements, Rep, Swails stood up and told everyone in the room that I was there as her guest and that I am no longer working at the Capitol and said some good stuff about me such as how I consider the Legislature and its members as my own family. Everyone was looking at me and exploded in applause and some waved to me. After the caucus meeting, I joined rest of House DFL members going into chamber and more people was happy to see me.

I walked in hallway as if I was one of legislator (hence I was given nickname "Legislator" years ago) and people just respected me. We got into House Chamber, I shook some people hands and I greeted Legislative Security Officers and Sergeant at Arms officers. Rep, Swails showed me where she usually sit on House floor so we sat down for awhile. Few moments later, Rep. Swails wanted to take me into House Retiring Room so I could see more of my friends and we had cup of hot chocolate and tea. We returned to our seat, and more people came up to me and talked to me. Been getting hugs, high fives, kisses on cheeks, shook hands all day- Everyone missed me because I have been there for three legislative sessions as employee and I always help them out with what they needed such as with re-election campaigns or anything they need.

We had to sit down when speech started. We had to hear what the Governor had to say, and he rather to do kitchen table approach to deal with budget. You may read text of his speech on other article I wrote. Interesting that GOP Caucus members applaud hands more than we did because since I am DFL so I have to follow what our caucus do.

After the speech, more people approached me and I had to leave quickly because my friend and I was going to have lunch so we just left and since it was very cold to take bus and it was nice of friend to drive me home before committee meeting started. People in Legislative community do help each other in time of need. As what Rep. Swails said in the caucus that day, I do consider them my one big happy family even if we don't agree on things and bickering for hours.

It was nice to be back at the Capitol and yes I do really miss working at the Capitol. I will be back at the Capitol from time to time during session. I am proud to be part of the legislative community and have been for many years.

News article from SF 33 hearing earlier this week

A source have sent me information that there is an article from the a Senate hearing that they had on Senate File 33 earlier this week so you may want to read the article by clicking here.

Rep Marsha Swails' article in Woodbury Bulletin 1/14/09

Here is an article that my good friend, Rep. Marsha Swails wrote in this week's Woodbury Bulletin. Source: http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=119339510292&h=N0aY3&u=a0EO2

Viewpoint: Family lore guides legislator’s view of policy-making
Marsha Swails, Viewpoint Writer, Woodbury Bulletin Published Wednesday, January 14, 2009

As a young boy in the early 1900’s, my Grandpa Stark was forced to leave school in the 6th grade and go to work in the strip mining fields of southern Kansas to help support his family. No stranger to hard work, he fulfilled his duty to his family, growing to be a responsible young man, marrying and starting a family, and moving to a small farm.

He was a young husband and father of five during the Depression, and he continued to work tirelessly to support his family, while still extending a hand to those who had even less than he. One of those people was a man named Gobey Lucas.

Gobey lived on the margins, known as the town drunk, a man who many shunned or avoided. But not my Grandpa Stark.

Whenever they crossed paths in town, my grandfather would say, “Gobey, come on out to the farm. I’ve always got work digging posts or picking rocks, and you can get a hot meal and a clean pair of overalls.” And Gobey would come, and work hard for my Grandpa, knowing he would be treated with respect and his work would be valued.

The family story continues until one year Grandpa and Grandma and each of their five children contracted scarlet fever. Their house was put under quarantine, and as was typical in those days, no one dared breach the quarantine line. One neighbor did leave a 10-pound sack of flour at the end of the road, but my grandmother was too weak to go out to pick it up. As was the case for many families of that time, it seemed likely that some, if not all of them would die.
But hearing the news that my family was sick, Gobey Lucas showed up at the house to care for them. Walking through the door no one else dared enter, he tore clean rags to bathe their fevers, made weak broth to feed them, and changed their soiled linens.

He stayed by their sides when no one else would, and treated them with the dignity and respect with which my grandfather had always treated him.
According to the stories I’ve heard from the time I was a young girl, Gobey Lucas saved my grandfather’s life, and the lives of his entire family.
When they recovered their strength, Gobey left. He went back to his life on the margins, yet his bond with my family remained strong. You could say that Gobey is responsible for me being here today, and that by recognizing his inherent dignity and worth, my grandfather helped him reach his true potential.

I share this story with you as backdrop, as we prepare to confront challenges unprecedented in our state’s recent history. In the months ahead, the choices we make will determine how Minnesotans live and work in years to come, and we’ll have plenty of chances to speak about the policies and politics of how to make those choices.

But just for today, I hope we’ll keep a little bit of Gobey and Grandpa Stark’s story in mind, and to take care not to forget those who live on the margins, nor their potential to make our lives richer; those who’ve lost their homes or their jobs, or those without health care.

Our responsibility as we balance this budget is to lay the groundwork for an economic recovery that will lead to a stronger and more prosperous Minnesota, while taking care that the solutions won't cause additional harm to those who are already suffering.

That's a pretty tall order, especially when it's clear that some cuts are inevitable. But if our state budget is a reflection of our values, then we must take care to ensure those values aren't compromised, and to offer hope and help for all Minnesotans to reach their full potential.

Swails (DFL-Woodbury) represents District 56B in the Minnesota House. To contact her, call (651) 296-1147, 409 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or e-mail rep.marsha.swails@house.mn.

Watch State of the State Address online

In case you missed it yesterday or didn't make it, Minnesota House of Representatives Television provided live coverage from yesterday.

You could watch it by clicking here.

Text of Governor's State of the State Address

Here are text from yesterday's State of the State Address. you could read it here.

Former US Senator Rod Grams is running for MN Republican State Party Chair

Heard that Former US Senator Rod Grams is vying for Minnesota State Republican Party Chair.

Grams is very frustrated with how Minnesota Republican Party has been doing for last four years under chairman Ron Carey. He felt that the party has gone to wrong direction and need to go in right direction.

So stay tuned for more details at later date.

Update on Senate File 33

Few days ago I wrote about Senate File 33 that require deaf and hard of hearing school staff to transport deaf students to school activities or related event. It passed in committee and is heading to Senate judiciary committee.

You could keep track of the bill's actions by clicking here.

Senate unveiled Senate Budget Discussion website

On eve of State of the State Address, the Senate decided to set up their own budget website where citizens of Minnesota could discuss how the Senate would solve the budget deficit. As you recall I have posted an article of Speaker Kelliher pleading for public's help with solving budget so the Senate is doing the same thing.

You could go to http://budgetforum.senate.mn/ and tell Senate what you think what they should do with budget.

St. Paul DFL ward and city convention schedule

I had to dig out St. Paul's DFL Ward and City convention schedule so here it is...


Precinct Caucuses and Ward Conventions - Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Saint Paul City DFL Precinct Caucuses and Ward Conventions are happening on Tuesday, February 3, 2009. Precinct caucuses begin at 7:00 p.m. (check-in begins at 6:30 p.m.). The Ward Conventions begin immediately after caucus business is completed. Each Ward is caucusing
in its own single location:

Ward 1 - Rondo Education Center - 560 Concordia Ave., 55103

Ward 2 - Humbolt High School - 30 Baker Street, 55107

Ward 3 - Highland Park Jr. High School - 975 S. Snelling Ave., 55116

Ward 4 - Hancock Elementary School - 1599 Englewood Ave., 55104

Ward 5 - Como High School - 740 Rose Ave W., 55117

Ward 6 - TBA

Ward 7 - TBA.

The substantive business to be conducted is to elect Ward Officers, select Delegates and Alternates to the City Convention, and consider resolutions. The Executive Committee has noted that the time for considering resolutions is limited and directed that any resolutions that could not be voted upon in the Ward Convention be submitted for consideration at the City Convention.Persons chosen as Delegates and Alternates to the City Convention should select persons to serve on the Preconvention Committees. These Committees include Rules, Credentials, Arrangements, and Constitution. Even if you are not chosen to serve, volunteers are welcome to help. The organizational meeting will be held at the Hamline-Midway Library, 1558 W. Minnehaha Ave.(one block east of Snelling) on Saturday, February 7 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The City Convention will be Saturday, March 21 at Arlington High School - 1495 Rice Street 55117. On the agenda for the City Convention will be consideration of endorsements for Mayor and School Board races.
2009 Precinct Caucus Prep

Precinct Caucuses are just around the corner! The Saint Paul DFL will be holding an organizational meeting for the City Caucuses on December 15, 2008. Check back for the time and location.

A STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNOR REGARDING SENATE RACE CERTIFCATION

Here what I found on Governor Pawlenty's website regarding article I wrote few days ago on why he refuse to issue Al Franken the certificate of election.

A STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNOR -- January 12, 2009

Saint Paul
– The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding the request
from Al Franken’s attorney to issue a certificate of election.

“I have a duty to follow state law and our statutes are clear on this
issue. I am prohibited from issuing a certificate of election until the election
contest in the courts has been resolved.”

Please see Minnesota Statutes 204C.40, Subdivision 2:
204C.40
CERTIFICATES OF ELECTION.Subdivision 2. Time of issuance; certain offices.

No certificate of election shall be issued until seven days after the
canvassing board has declared the result of the election. In case of a contest,
an election certificate shall not be issued until a court of proper jurisdiction
has finally determined the contest. This subdivision shall not apply to
candidates elected to the office of state senator or representative.

Online at https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=204C.40&year=2008

Source: http://www.governor.state.mn.us/mediacenter/pressreleases/PROD009295.html

Update on Mayor Rybak's announcement

Yes, it turn out to be true. Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak has decided to run for third term as Mayor and is not interested in running for Governor as the rumors previously has prompted RT to announce his decision today.

He made announcement on his YouTube video so click here and listen to his announcement.

Rep. Erin Murphy has her own blog

I wanted to let diehard fans of Rep. Erin Murphy or Minnesota State Legislature know that my good friend, Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul 64A) have her own blog so please feel free to check it out at http://www.reperinmurphy.blogspot.com/

She is covering more in depth with her work and what the House have been up to. She also do write what is going on with herself as well.

BREAKING NEWS! MAYOR RYBAK TO ANNOUNCE HIS RE-ELECTION BID!

Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak is going to announce his intention to run for third term as Mayor of Minneapolis later today.

Stay tuned for further announcement.

Duluth Mayor Don Ness's State of City Address

This is first news I am going to cover outside of St. Paul and it occurred in Duluth last week.

I heard that Donny Ness who is Mayor of Duluth did gave out his State of City Address- a source from Duluth just informed me today here it is

Duluth Mayor Donny Ness' State of City Address

Senate File 33 will have a day in committee

Senate File 33 (AKA SF 33) will be heard in a committee. Senator Rick Olseen (DFL-Harris SD 17) is introducing a bill that would allow school staff who are deaf or hard of hearing to drive deaf students to school activities.

You could click here to get more information here

Franken Camp requested certificate to take seat

Al Franken's campaign requested Governor Tim Pawlenty and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie to grant him certificate so he could be in United States Senate. Right now Minnesota have only one Senator, Amy Klobchar just for now until the court settle down on lawsuit that was bought by Former US Senator Norm Coleman.

Attorneys for Franken said that 7 days waiting period has passed and Franken was supposed to get signed certificate so he could go to Washington DC. The State law says that a candidate have seven day waiting period after final counting.

Gov. Pawlenty rather not to issue Franken the certificate until Coleman's lawsuit action are done and then they will see what will happen. A trial on lawsuit shall be taken up within three weeks after a person filed a lawsuit according to state law. As for Coleman's case, He will have three judges hearing his case and they haven't selected judges yet.

Your input wanted by Speaker Kelliher

House Speaker Margret Anderson Kelliher wanted you to send her ideas how to solve state budget deficits. She has decided to ask the public for help to balance the budget. This is first time that the Speaker of the House plead for our help with budget. She has set up a website so you may want to submit your idea how the legislature should deal with budget.

Public input will be wanted by Speaker Anderson Kelliher

Week Two at the Capitol

We are in second week of session at the Capitol. Only major event this week would be State of the State Address. Both House and Senate will meet on floor tomorrow to take up regular business and start working. Heard that Rep. John Lesch may introduce a bill but not sure what it is so we will have to find out.

Senate will meet at 11:00 AM and House will meet at 1:00 PM. Since I don't have TV at my new house yet (Now I know how loyal sport fans feel when the game is being blackout on TV) so if you you know what is going on, please send an email to me at senatoreggert@yahoo.com and I will be more than happy to post recap of tomorrow's floor sessions.

Have you been wondering who represent you in St. Paul?

That's right, folks! I've found a website that you could easily access to find out who your State Representative or State Senator even Congresswoman or Congressman.

You even would find your own polling place as well.

Click here to go to the website.

Senate Briefly are out now!

I have good news for people who are really into Minnesota State Senate or just want to pay attention to besides House of Representatives.

Senate Briefly has came out but only available online and you could pick copies up from Senate Information Office on second floor in Senate corridor at the State Capitol. Couple of years ago the Senate decided to stop send issues in the mail due to budget cuts.

They also have older issues ranging from 1995 session to last session online.

Senate Briefly Website

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman seeks second term as Mayor

Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman has decided to run for second term as Mayor. He announced his candidacy earlier this week and at this time there are no opponents. He is going to seek DFL (Democratic Farmer Labor) endorsement on March 21st at Saint Paul DFL City Convention.

You could read his announcement at his campaign website

Chris was on Saint Paul City Council and ran for Congress in 2000 but failed to secure DFL endorsement.

I will be going to State of the State Address

That's right, folks.... I am going to Governor Pawlenty's State of the State Address next week. I managed to get a ticket from a good friend of mine that I used to work with and campaigned for last fall. I will write about my experience next week and what I think of it. Although I can't write during speech but I will post text of Governor's State of the State Address here next week when they post it online.

Session Weekly magazine are out!

If you are huge fan of Minnesota House and I do have good news for you:

First issue of 2009 session for Session Weekly came out today and it's even online. Last session they celebrated 25th anniversary of Session Weekly magazine.

You also could find past issues ranging from 1995 to last session online as well.

Session Weekly website

Governor Pawlenty set to deliver State of the State Address

State of the State Address date has set. It will be on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at noon in the House of Representatives Chamber at the State Capitol in St. Paul. Only members and their ticketed guests will be able to watch the speech live. It will be broad casted on TPT Channel 17.

Former State Representative Otto Bang passed away

Former State Representative Otto Bang passed away on December 29 at Hennepin County Medical Center from head trauma when he got into car accident on December 21. He was 77 years old at time of his death.

He served both Senate and House during his 20 years at the Capitol. Served in House from 1963 to 1972 then the Senate from 1973 to 1981. He represented Edina at the Capitol.

You could find more details at Star Tribune.

Minnesota State Legislature session get underway

The Minnesota State Legislature convened at noon on Tuesday Janurary 6 2009 with 23 new members while two returned. One served as Secretary of State from 1998 to 2002 (Mary Kiffmeyer) and other one (Greg Davids) was in House but got defeated in 2006 election but reclaimed his seat in 2008 election. Total was 25 but 23 in House and 2 in Senate.

All leaders has been easily re-elected to their own posts.

Speaker: Margret Anderson Kelliher
Majority Leader: Anthony "Tony" Sertich
Minority Leader: Marty Seifert.

You could find the list here at: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/houseleaders.asp

The Senate didn't do those because the Senate wasn't up for re-election expect for two special elections.

You could find complete listing of Senate leadership here: http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/member_list.php?sort=ldr&ls=#header

Welcome to Rach's Political Report

I am Rachel "Rach" Eggert and I will cover Minnesota State Political news and its related subject such as St. Paul and Minneapolis' city elections this year in addition to 2009 Legislative session. From time to time I will cover other Minnesota political figures and events that are not happening in St. Paul such as Washington D.C and other elections. This blog will be non partisan although most of time politics tend to be under major parties.

If you have any information or events you want me to cover and contribute your ideas, please email me at senatoreggert@yahoo.com.