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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.