The 2015 legislature is off to a productive start, and already we’re seeing that legislators of parties can work together under divided government to get things done to help Minnesotans in all parts of the state. Last week, the Legislature passed $20 million in tax relief for Minnesota families on a vote of 129-0. I think it’s awesome that every legislator, Republican and Democrat, voted unanimously to help families save some money on their taxes as they start to file their tax returns. 

On the heels of this exceptional bipartisan work, it’s so disappointing to me that DFL Rep. Paul Marquart, who represents a district about 300 miles away from Albert Lea, is writing letters to the Tribune attacking me, rather than stopping by my office to share his concerns and talk about ways to continue working to better our state. While the new House majority, with minority support, has spent the first two weeks of session working quickly to pass tax conformity to help you keep more of your hard-earned money, DFL leaders like Rep. Marquart appear to be focused on scoring political points and engaging in partisan attacks. This is exactly the kind of thing that I have always disliked about politics. As I repeated throughout my campaign, people should come before politics. Let’s stop this political game playing and get to work for the people of Minnesota.

I know Minnesotans are very tired of the constant political banter. The election ended in November, and I came to St. Paul ready to work and listen to ideas put forward by my colleagues in both parties. I hope next time Rep. Marquart will consider coming to talk to me first before sending a partisan attack letter to our paper. Maybe if we take that approach and actually listen to each other, Republicans and Democrats can continue building on the success of the first two weeks of session, and keep working hard on ways to solve problems and improve the lives of Minnesotans across the state.

 

Peggy Bennett

District 27A House
Representative

Albert Lea