The following article by Patty Dexter was posted on the Eden Prairie News website February 15, 2018:
The 2018 legislative session convenes on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
The newspaper contacted Rep. Paul Rosenthal for a Q&A previewing the session.
What are the biggest issues facing your district this session?
One of the biggest issues my constituents are facing is obtaining affordable healthcare. It’s a nonpartisan issue and it’s time to work together for a real solution that includes affordable, comprehensive and quality coverage for everyone.
Another significant issue is repairing the inadequate 35W/494 interchange. It’s the state’s busiest and is ranked 17th worst commute nationwide. My funding bill received an informational hearing last year. This week we sent a bipartisan letter to the MnDOT commissioner urging the agency to move up construction. I will urge the Republican Majority to prioritize the project.
How would you characterize the legislature’s relationship with the governor?
The relationship between Governor Dayton and the legislative leadership is strained. They have clashed over many issues. Many legislators, like myself, have supported Governor Dayton’s initiatives to build a strong Minnesota through investments in education, creating a stable budget and providing affordable and accessible health care for all Minnesotans.
What ways will national politics impact Minnesota politics this session?
I believe that the Minnesota Legislature can rise above the divide and stalemates we’ve seen in Congress. As a legislator, it’s been my policy to work with all of my colleagues, regardless of party affiliation or philosophical differences. I carry and support legislation with Republican co-sponsorship, have meaningful conversations with legislators across the aisle and work for compromise, even when it is difficult.
I am optimistic that we can all work from a place of understanding; ask questions, challenge differences respectfully and recognize all perspectives.
How will the legislature keep operating in 2018 if it runs out of money?
We have procedures in place to manage funding for the legislature. I will be actively involved in helping all sides to reach a solution to this issue, but I am hopeful that common sense will prevail and we will solve this contentious problem.
What should the legislature do about the $43 million request by Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration to fix the Minnesota License and Registration System?
I want to find the most cost effective way to fix the system and will continue to seek solutions that are as fair and painless as possible for Minnesota taxpayers. However, I would argue that firing current staff to hire new is not practical, and will further delay advancing the system. We have a new commissioner who will take the reins and with input from system users and those impacted, will make progress on this situation.
What are your thoughts about the latest delays in the Southwest Light Rail Transit project?
We are waiting for a few issues to be resolved, including the submission of new construction bids so the project has the best value for taxpayers. I am encouraging speedy action so we don’t have more delays that add to the cost of the project or risk losing crucial federal dollars to help move this project forward.
What tax changes would you support to conform to the federal tax changes?
While the simplification of tax filing is appealing, I have concerns about the reality of what Minnesota will be forced to conform to and what it means for our state as a whole. Minnesota’s middle class will be hit hardest by the $800 million tax increase imposed by the Republicans in Congress. It’s crucial to have a fair balance between helping the business community, and Minnesota families succeed financially. I look forward to reviewing state tax legislation when we reconvene on Feb. 20.
What are your thoughts about the lawsuit related to Sen. Michelle Fischbach’s desire to retain her position as the president of the Minnesota Senate while acting as the lieutenant governor?
While Lt. Gov. Fischbach cites an 1898 Supreme Court ruling as evidence that this arrangement is legally acceptable, recent changes to the Minnesota constitution put that claim in doubt. I have concerns about her constituents receiving subpar representation while juggling these two significant roles in two different branches of government. Either way, the courts will sort it out in a timely manner.
We will look at all the proposals and put in place a policy that ensures everyone who works at the Capitol will feel respected. A few legislative proposals have already been introduced to address sexual harassment at the Capitol. Also, Governor Dayton is proposing legislation that would create a nonpartisan administrative body within the executive branch that would be responsible for guaranteeing stronger protections against sexual harassment, more immediate responses to complaints, and more consistent consequences for offenders. Harassment doesn’t belong in any workplace and we will take every step to make sure all workers feel safe.