Dan Sparks, State Senator

The 2008 legislative session is scheduled to begin Feb. 12. That&8217;s only a few days away, which means legislators already are planning meetings and agendas to fill out the next four months.

Last week, the House and Senate leaders agreed on deadlines to have all major legislation out of committee and either in conference committee or ready for final votes. The final deadline this year will be March 28, giving us about six weeks to complete committee work. The session must adjourn by May 19, but if we are able to work together, there is much hope we could be finished before that date.

Up until that point, we will be working on a few main goals. First, transportation: no one needs to be reminded how much has happened in relation to transportation since session adjourned last May. Serious financial issues within the Minnesota Department of Transportation, poor safety ratings on too many of our state&8217;s roads and bridges, and a need for improved transit and transportation solutions to move goods and people across this state are desperately needed.

Expect the legislature to pass another comprehensive transportation bill early in the session. We&8217;re hoping the governor realizes the importance for such a bill and doesn&8217;t veto our bipartisan plan, as he did in 2007.

Health care will be another primary concern in 2008. Two health care study groups &8212; one convened by the legislature and the other by the governor &8212; have been meeting nonstop since session ended to examine the state&8217;s health care system and ways to improve access and affordability. These two groups will be releasing recommendations in the near future; the Legislature will consider these recommendations and, hopefully, take bold steps toward our ultimate goal of putting affordable health care insurance within reach for all Minnesotans.

Capital investment will probably be the top priority in 2008. In a struggling economy, passing a comprehensive bonding bill that funds infrastructure projects throughout the state and adds hundreds of jobs to our economy is an important opportunity.

Locally, Edgewater Park is again seeking state help, as is the Blazing Star Landing, Alden Community Center and Riverland Community College in Austin and Albert Lea. Austin also is seeking state funds for flood mitigation, as well as a &8220;Success Center&8221; downtown to promote early childhood education. I will be working with my House colleagues to advocate for all of our local projects to be included in the final bill.

This potential for an infusion of new jobs and economic development projects could be a shot in the arm to our state&8217;s struggling economy.

On the subject of job creation, I am now chairing the Subcommittee on Biosciences and Renewable Energy Development. The Senate realizes there is a lot of opportunity for growth in these areas, especially here in Southern Minnesota where we have access to several research institutions and vast renewable energy resources. I look forward to spending part of this session vetting legislative ideas that support growing these industries and the jobs they provide.

As this session moves forward, please do not hesitate to contact me with thoughts, questions or concerns. If you are interested in scheduling a Capitol meeting or have a group visiting the Capitol, you also may contact me at 651-296-9248 or sen.dan.sparks@senate.mn for more information.

Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, is the state senator for District 27.