>>> "YOUR LEGISLATORS" IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE MINNESOTA CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION FROM DEVELOPING BEST PRACTICES THAT HELP FARMERS BETTER PROTECT OUR NATURAL RESOURCES TO THE LATEST INNOVATIONS IN CORN BASED PLASTICS.

MINNESOTA CORN FARMERS ARE PROUD TO INVEST IN THIRD PARTY RESEARCH LEADING TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

MINNESOTA FARMERS UNION, STANDING FOR AGRICULTURE, WORKING FOR FARMERS ON THE WEB AT MFU.ORG.

>> Barry: GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO THIS WEEK'S VERSION OF "YOUR LEGISLATORS".

MY NAME IS BARRY ANDERSON.

I WILL BE YOUR HOST AND MODERATOR FOR THIS, OUR FIRST PROGRAM IN MAY.

WELCOME TO PLEASANT WEATHER IN MINNESOTA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN I DON'T KNOW, MAYBE ALL YEAR.

WE ARE DELIGHTED YOU HAVE JOINED US FOR THIS DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC POLISHES.

WE ARE GOING TO BEGIN IN A MOMENT BY INTRODUCING OUR DISTINGUISHED PANEL OF GUESTS.

WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH AT LEAST TWO OF OUR GUESTS WHO PROBABLY WILL BE JOINING US IN THE NEXT FEW MINUTES, AND WE WILL BE INTRODUCING THEM AS THEY JOIN THE PROGRAM.

LET ME BEGIN THIS EVENING BY REMINDING YOU THAT THIS IS YOUR PROGRAM, AND WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR QUESTIONS THAT WE WILL BE GIVING TO OUR PANEL.

YOU ARE REMINDED THAT YOU CAN SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO US VIA THE OLD FASHIONED TELEPHONE OR SEND THEM TO US VIA E-MAIL AND BOTH OF THOSE ROUTES WILL APPEAR ON YOUR SCREEN.

WE ARE GOING TO BEGIN THIS WEEK, AS WE BEGIN EACH WEEK, IN UNRAVELING THE MYSTERIES OF ST. PAUL BY INTRODUCING OUR GUESTS.

WE HAVE TWO GUESTS WITH US RIGHT NOW AND WE HAVE A THIRD THAT WILL BE JOINING US SHORTLY.

LET'S START WITH REPRESENTATIVE PAT GAROFALO FROM FARMINGTON.

REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO, IF YOU WOULD TELL OUR VIEWERS ABOUT YOURSELF, HOW LONG YOU HAVE BEEN IN THE LEGISLATURE, THE COMMITTEES YOU HAVE SERVED ON AND YOUR DAY JOB, OTHER THINGS YOU THINK THE VIEWERS MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN KNOWING.

THE FLOOR IS YOURS.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME AS A GUEST.

TO CONFIRM, CAN YOU HEAR ME OKAY?

IS THE AUDIO ALL RIGHT?

>> Barry: WE ARE GOOD.

THE AUDIO IS GREAT.

WE WON'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE VIDEO, BUT IT LOOKS FINE.

>> I APPRECIATE THAT.

GOOD EVENING.

I'M REPRESENTATIVE PAT GAROFALO.

I'M SERVING IN THE NINTH TERM IN THE MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

I REPRESENT DISTRICT 58B WHICH INCLUDES THE CITY OF FARMINGTON AS WELL AS PORTIONS OF RURAL DAKOTA, AND I SERVE ON THE REDISTRICTING WAYS AND MEANS AND TAX COMMITTEES.

SO A LOT OF FISCAL ACTIVITY THIS SESSION AS WELL AS REDISTRICTING.

PREVIOUS TO THIS I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE IN THE MAJORITY TWICE, ONE TIME AS CHAIR OF THE K-12 EDUCATION FINANCE COMMITTEE AND ONE TIME AS THE CHAIR OF THE JOB GROWTH ENERGY AFFORDABILITY POLICY AND FINANCE COMMITTEE.

TRY SAYING THAT TWICE.

I'M EMPLOYED IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AS NETWORK ENGINEER.

MARRIED.

MY WIFE AND I HAVE TWO ADULT CHILDREN AND SPEND OUR TIME THESE DAYS TAKING CARE OF TWO DOGS KIRA AND SHADOW, TWO RESCUE ANIMALS.

I WILL BE HAPPY TO TAKE YOUR QUESTIONS AND ENGAGE IN A THOUGHTFUL DISCUSSION WHERE I SEE CURRENT POLICY GOING FORWARD IN THE STATE CAPITOL.

THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> Barry: WE ARE DELIGHTED TO HAVE YOU.

ALSO JOINING US IS REPRESENTATIVE CARLIE KOTYZA-WITTHUHN.

DID I PRONOUNCE THAT DIRECTLY?

>> YES, YOU DID.

>> Barry: TELL OUR VIEWERS A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

WELL, I REPRESENT EDEN PRAIRIE, WHICH IS DISTRICT 48B.

I'M IN MY SECOND TERM.

I WAS FIRST ELECTED IN 2018, REELECTED IN 2020.

OUTSIDE THE LEGISLATURE, I'M A STAY AT HOME PARENT.

I HAVE FOUR KIDS.

MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE FOUR KIDS.

OUR YOUNGEST IS GOING TO BE 2 THIS SUMMER.

WE HAVE A 5-YEAR-OLD, 7-YEAR-OLD AND AN 8-YEAR-OLD.

I STAY QUITE BUSY YEAR-ROUND.

IN THE LEGISLATURE I SERVE ON THE EARLY CHILDHOOD COMMITTEE AND THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COMMITTEE AND I'M THE VICE CHAIR OF THE COMMERCE COMMITTEE, AND I ALSO SERVE ON THE WORKFORCE AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.

>> Barry: YOU WERE ELECTED IN 2018, IS THAT RIGHT?

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> Barry: VERY GOOD.

ALSO JOINING US OUR SENIOR MEMBER OF THE PANEL, I DO BELIEVE, BEEN ON THIS PROGRAM MANY TIMES AND ACTUALLY HAS RESCUED US ON OCCASION WHEN WE NEEDED A GUEST AT THE LAST POSSIBLE MINUTE.

SENATOR JOHN MARTY HAS GOTTEN ON THE HORSE BUT RIDDEN TO THE RESCUE.

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO HAVE HIM WITH US THIS EVENING.

SENATOR MARTY, TELL OUR VIEWERS, AND I'M SURE MANY HAVE HEARD THE SPEAL BEFORE.

BUT TELL THEM ABOUT YOURSELF AND THE WORK IN THE LEGISLATURE.

>> I'M JOHN MARTY.

BEEN IN THE LEGISLATURE IN A LONG TIME.

I'M IN THE MINORITY IN THE SENATE THESE DAYS AS A DFLER.

I CURRENTLY REPRESENT ROSEVILLE, FALCON HEIGHTS, LAUDERDALE AND A CHUNK OF ST. PAUL GOING TO NEAR THE STATE CAPITOL.

MY NEW DISTRICT REPRESENTS NORTHERN ROSEVILLE, LITTLE CHUCK OF BLAINE, ARDEN HILL, SHOREVIEW, NEW BRIGHTON, AND 80% NEW DISTRICT.

LAST YEAR I HAD 75% NEW DISTRICT.

REDISTRICTING HAS WHIPPED ME AROUND A LOT.

I SERVE AS DFL LEAD ON THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, BUDGET COMMITTEE, AND RULES COMMITTEE, LIVE IN ROSEVILLE WITH MY WIFE.

WE HAVE A SON WHO TEACHES IN MEXICO, A DAUGHTER WHO LIVES IN NEW YORK AND HAS A GRANDSON THERE, AND WE HAVE TWO FOSTER GRANDKIDS IN THE TWIN CITIES AREA.

TWO DOGS, ONE OF WHOM IS A RESCUE AND THE OTHER ONE CAME FROM A FRIEND.

>> Barry: SENATOR MARTY, YOU ARE NO LONGER THE SENATOR FROM THE STATE FAIR.

>> NOT GOING TO BE ANYMORE.

I'M LOSING THE STATE FAIR.

>> Barry: LET'S BEGIN OUR PROGRAM THIS WEEK WHILE WE ARE WAITING FOR QUESTIONS TO COME IN FROM VIEWERS TO TALK ABOUT WHAT IS NO DOUBT THE BIG NEWS SINCE WE WERE LAST WITH OUR VIEWERS ON LEGISLATIVE ISSUES, AND THAT WAS THE TRUST FUND, HERO BILL.

I'M GOING TO LET MY GUESTS DESCRIBE IT.

BUT THIS BILL HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF MUCH DISCUSSION AND EFFORT AND WAS A BIPARTISAN EFFORT AND I BELIEVE IT'S BEEN SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR INTO LAW.

SENATOR MARTY, START WITH YOU AS OUR VETERAN LEGISLATOR AND GO AROUND THE TABLE AND TALK ABOUT THE PROCESS AND THE FINAL PRODUCT.

THE FLOOR IS YOURS.

>> LOTS OF DISPUTES.

IT'S A BIG BILL.

IT'S AN OVER $3 BILLION WHEN YOU COUNT EVERYTHING, EASILY OVER $3 BILLION.

IT'S THE BIG -- THE BIGGEST CHUNK IS GOING TO REPLACE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WHICH WENT WAY DOWN BECAUSE SO MANY WORKERS WERE LAID OFF, AND WE NEVER HAD SOMETHING LIKE THIS.

THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY HAS BEEN VOCAL ABOUT SAYING HOW THEY WANT THIS BECAUSE IT WOULD RAISE THEIR TAXES OTHERWISE.

IT WAS GENERAL AGREEMENT THAT THIS WAS A FAIR THING TO DO.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROBLEMS WERE NOT CAUSED BY WORKERS, NOT CAUSED BY BUSINESSES, IT WAS CAUSED BY THE PANDEMIC.

WE DIDN'T HAVE A CHOICE.

IT WAS A HUGE EXPENSE TO PAY IT BACK.

BUT THAT'S SOMETHING WE ARE DOING, PROVIDING RESERVING IT AGAIN.

IT'S NORMALLY COVERED BY TAXES ON EMPLOYERS TO COVER IT, AND THAT'S DONE.

THE OTHER SIDE OF IT, THE HOUSE PUSHED AND FORTUNATELY PASSED A SIGNIFICANT WORKER, HERO WORKER PAY, FRONTLINE WORKERS, AND THEY WERE PUSHING FOR A BILLION DOLLARS PACKAGE.

THE FINAL ONE WAS REDUCED TO ABOUT HALF THAT MUCH.

I THINK IT'S VERY MUCH OVERDUE.

THANK YOU TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO RISKED THEIR LIVES WHEN OTHERS WERE ABLE TO STAY AT HOME DURING THE PANDEMIC, THOSE THAT KEPT THE GROCERY STORES STOCKED, HOSPITALS, THOSE WHO WORKED IN ALL THE PLACES AT HIGH RISK.

FIRST RESPONDERS AND EVERYBODY ELSE.

I THINK IT'S A GOOD PACKAGE.

IT'S NOT WHAT EVERYBODY WANTED BUT IT WAS A REASONABLE COMPROMISE IN THE END.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE KOTYZA-WITTHUHN, TELL US ABOUT THE PROCESS AND THE FINAL LEGISLATION.

>> THANK YOU, BARRY.

I ACTUALLY SPONSORED A BILL EARLY IN THE SESSION TO FULLY REPLENISH THE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TRUST FUND AND AN ADDITIONAL PIECE THAT I HAD PUT ON TO MY PROPOSAL WAS TO INCLUDE HOURLY SCHOOLWORKERS INTO THE UNEMPLOYMENT PROGRAM.

RIGHT NOW THEY DON'T QUALIFY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS.

THEY CAN'T DRAW UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER MONTHS.

WE ARE SEEING A LOT OF DISTRICTS HAVE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER SHORTAGES, LUNCHROOM ASSISTANT SHORTAGES, ALL OF THIS.

WE ARE THINKING ABOUT WE ALLOW THEM TO JOIN THE UNEMPLOYMENT PROGRAM THAT THEY WILL HAVE MORE STABILITY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

MANY OF THEM ENJOY HAVING THEIR SUMMERS OFF.

WE DON'T IMAGINE THAT ALL OF THEM ARE GOING TO BE DRAWING ON THE UNEMPLOYMENT FUND.

BUT THAT PIECE DIDN'T GET INCLUDED IN THE FINAL BILL YET.

WE ARE STILL WORKING ON IT, BUT WE HAVE A COUPLE WEEKS LEFT, AND WE WILL HOPEFULLY FIND FINAL AGREEMENT ON THAT.

THESE ARE THE ONLY MINNESOTANS LEFT OUT OF THE SOCIAL SAFETY NET.

WHEN IT COMES TO THE REPLENISHMENT OF THE UNEMPLOYMENT TRUST FUND, IT WAS DEFINITELY A BIG PRIORITY OF MINE.

IT WAS INTERESTING WHEN I TALKED TO OUR LOCAL CHAMBER AT EDEN PRAIRIE, SOME OF OUR LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS, IT WASN'T HITTING EVERYBODY EQUALLY.

SOMEBODY SAW THE SAME TAX RATE.

SOMEBODY SAW AN INCREASE.

IT WAS INTERESTING TO KIND OF HEAR FROM THE DIFFERENT SITUATIONS THAT FOLKS WERE IN.

I'M JUST GLAD THAT WE GOT IT DONE.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO, YOUR THOUGHTS.

>> I BELIEVE MY COLLEAGUES COVERED IT ACCURATELY.

MULTIBILLION DOLLARS DEFINITE, AND TRUST FUND HAS BEEN RACKING UP CHARGES, AND WE HAD A CHOICE, TO EITHER USE FEDERAL DOLLARS IN THE GENERAL FUND SURPLUS TO REPLENISH THAT FUND OR DO NOTHING AND WATCH EVERY EMPLOYER IN THE STATE OF MINNESOTA GET SOCKED WITH A BIG TAX INCREASE.

THE LEGISLATURE WISELY DECIDED TO GO WITH OPTION A, AND THAT IS TO PAY OFF AND FILL UP THAT TRUST FUND.

SO OUR EMPLOYERS, JOB CREATORS, JOB PROVIDERS, DON'T HAVE TO PAY THAT TAX INCREASE.

>> Barry: WE HAVE ABOUT THREE WEEKS LEFT IN THE SESSION.

I THINK IT WOULD BE USEFUL FOR OUR VIEWERS TO MAYBE GET SOME INPUT FROM OUR PANEL AS TO THE ISSUES THAT THE PANEL THINKS ARE GOING TO BE MOST SIGNIFICANT AND WE ARE LIKELY TO SEE RESOLUTION BETWEEN NOW AND WHEN THE LEGISLATURE GOES HOME.

THIS IS NOT A SESSION -- SPECIAL SESSION BECAUSE IT'S NOT A BUDGET YEAR.

WE WILL START WITH YOU, GAROFALO, AND THEN WE WILL GO WITH KOTYZA-WITTHUHN AND THEN MARTY.

>> WE ARE AT A POINT IN THE SESSION NOW WHERE THE ONLY THINGS THAT WE WILL BE PASSING ARE THE THINGS WE MUST PASS, NOT NECESSARILY THE THINGS WE WOULD LIKE TO.

THE PROBLEM WE HAVE HAD IN THE LEGISLATURE IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS IS WE HAVE ACTUALLY HAD FEWER AND FEWER STATUTES BEING SIGNED INTO LAW.

IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT GOVERNMENT IS GETTING ANY SMALLER OR SPENDING ANY LESS MONEY.

BUT IT MEANS THAT FEWER AND FEWER PEOPLE ARE MAKING MORE AND MORE DECISIONS.

LAST SESSION THE ENTIRE FUNDING OF OUR GOVERNMENT, EVERY BILL THAT PASSED WAS CONTAINED IN 31 SEPARATE STATUTES.

THAT WAS IT.

THAT WAS A NEW RECORD LOW.

UNFORTUNATELY I THINK YOU ARE GOING TO SEE THAT TREND CONTINUE THIS YEAR WHERE YOU ARE PROBABLY GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF THINGS JAMMED TOGETHER, DECISIONS BEING MADE BY A FEW LEGISLATORS, AND IT WILL KIND OF CONTINUE THAT DOWNWARD TREND, UNFORTUNATELY.

I WOULD LOVE TO BLAME THE DFL COLLEAGUES FOR THIS AND SAY IT'S 100% THEIR FAULT.

BUT THIS IS A MULTIYEAR TREND THAT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE.

I THINK 2023 YOU WILL SEE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT TO REVERSE THAT TREND AND SEE THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS BE MORE OPEN ON INDIVIDUAL BILLS, SINGLE SUBJECT BILLS, NOT THE END OF SESSION TRAINWRECK THAT SEEMS TO FINISH EVERY LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE KOTYZA-WITTHUHN, YOUR THOUGHTS.

>> THANKS, BARRY.

WE JUST FUN ISSUED YESTERDAY PASSING OUR SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET BILLS OFF THE HOUSE FLOOR AND CONCLUDED WITH THE TAX BILL AND THE BEGINNINGS BILL, WHICH WAS COMMERCE AND CLIMATE AND ENERGY AND WORKFORCE.

I THINK THOSE ARE ALL THE FOUR WE GOT PUT TOGETHER.

WE COMBINED MORE OF THE SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET IN THE HOUSE BECAUSE SOME OF THE COMMITTEES OVER THERE HAVE OPTED NOT TO PUT FORWARD A SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET BILL.

IN ORDER FOR THEM TO MATCH UP AND GO TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE, THE SUBJECTS HAD TO MATCH.

WE HAD REALLY GOOD DEBATE AND DISCUSSION ON THE HOUSE FLOOR.

I THINK WE ARE MOVING IN A GREAT DIRECTION IN ORDER TO PUT THE MONEY BACK IN THE POCKETS OF MINNESOTANS WHO WERE STRUGGLING THE MOST DURING THE PANDEMIC.

WE HAVE TAKEN CARE OF OUR SMALL BUSINESSES, THE CORPORATIONS, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TRUST FUNDS AND NOW WE WANT TO TAKE CARE OF WORKERS, FAMILIES, STUDENTS AND I THINK WE HAVE GOT A REALLY GREAT PACKAGE OF TAX REBATE AND TAX CREDITS, INCLUDING MY GREAT START, CHILD CARE, TAX CREDIT, WHICH WILL EXPAND THE DEPENDENT CARE FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 5 AND HELP THEM OUT WITH CHILD CARE EXPENSES AND SIGNIFICANTLY OUT OF POCKET COSTS.

>> Barry: SENATOR MARTY, IT WAS INTERESTING THAT REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO OPENED UP WITH THIS DISCUSSION BY DISCUSSING SOME OF THE PROCESS AND PROCEDURE ISSUES AND YOU AND I HAVE HAD THIS CONVERSATION MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS.

THIS IS RIGHT IN YOUR WHEELHOUSE.

I THINK YOU COULD RESPOND.

>> GLAD HE MENTIONED IT AND GLAD YOU MENTIONED IT.

IT WAS ON YOUR 50 BILLS.

I DIDN'T COUNT PRECISELY.

I MADE A CHART A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, SINCE STATE HOOD, IT USED TO BE IT WAS EVERY OTHER YEAR, BUT SINCE THE '70s, IT'S BEEN DROPPING, AND IT WAS 6, 700 BILLS EVERY TWO YEARS, AND WE WERE DOING 400, 500 BILLS A YEAR, AND NOW IT'S DOWN TO 30 SOME, I GUESS.

IT'S A VERY STEADY DROP-OFF IN THE LAST DECADE.

I WAS TRYING TO ACTUALLY -- DON'T WANT TO GET INTO SEPARATION POWERS OR ISSUES HERE, BUT I WAS TRYING TO STIMULATE A LAWSUIT ON THE ISSUE SEVERAL YEARS AGO.

I WAS WORKING WITH A LAWYER WHO SAID IT WOULD BE THE BIGGEST PRO BONO CASE IN MINNESOTA HISTORY AND CONCLUDED IN THE END IT WASN'T LIKELY TO GET A RULING OUR WAY, AND WE WOULD HAVE TO DO IT OURSELVES.

THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS I'M GLAD TO BE LEAD ON FINANCE COMMITTEE, AND I WOULD HOPE IF CHAIRING THE COMMITTEE WAS GOING TO SAY THAT WE COULD HAVE A LOT OF INTELLIGENT DIVISIONS.

WE ARE NOT GOING TO HAVE BILLS IN FINANCE UNTIL YOU TAKE THE CRUD OUT OF THEM.

HOW MANY BILLS HAVE TO BE MERGED TOGETHER BECAUSE SENATE DIDN'T HAVE THEM ALL.

THE WAY IT'S WORKED OUT, IT'S A TERRIBLE WAY TO DO THINGS.

I MADE A MOCK TITLE FOR ONE OF THE ONES ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO, A BILL RELATING TO, BECAUSE THE CONSTITUTION SAYS EVERY BILL HAS TO HAVE A SINGLE SUBJECT WHICH WILL BE STATED IN ITS TITLE.

I DO EVERYTHING FROM BEAT JUICE TO TRUCKS, AND EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK.

IT WAS A THOUSAND PAGE BILL.

IT'S CLEARLY UNACCOUNTABLE.

HE'S RIGHT.

IT'S NOT A PARTISAN ISSUE.

IT'S SOMETHING THAT I THINK GROWING NUMBERS OF MEMBERS SHOULD AGREE WITH THE PUBLIC ON THIS.

IT'S A TERRIBLE TREND AND REALISTICALLY PUTS POWER IN THE HANDS OF LEADERSHIP AND WHOEVER IS IN CHARGE TENDS TO PUT MORE THINGS TOGETHER BECAUSE THEY TEND TO CALL THE SHOTS.

BUT THERE'S A REASON WE HAVE 201 LEGISLATORS IN EVERY STATE.

WE HAVE DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES, DIFFERENT IDEAS.

I TELL NEW MEMBERS IN THE SENATE WHEN I WAS FIRST ELECTED WE CARRIED 10, 15 BILLS INTO LAW EACH YEAR.

IT'S NOT THAT WE PASSED FEWER THINGS, BUT NOW IT'S ALL FOLDED IN SOMEBODY ELSE'S BILL.

IF I CARE ABOUT VETERANS ISSUES AND IT'S FOLDED IN WITH HOUSING AND 50 OTHER THINGS, MAYBE I'M VOTING AGAINST THE BILL DESPITE LIKING THAT, BECAUSE THERE ARE OTHER THINGS IN THE BILL.

SO IT'S A PROCESS CHANGE WE HAVE TO CHANGE.

IT'S PROCESS, BUT IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO EVERYTHING ELSE WE DO.

HAVING SAID THAT, THE REAL SHORT ANSWER TO YOUR ORIGINAL QUESTION, WHAT'S LIKELY TO HAPPEN, I THINK THERE'S A LOT OF AMBITION FOR WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN.

IN THE END THERE'S SUCH GREAT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SENATE REPUBLICANS AND HOUSE DFLERS THAT I'M NOT SURE WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF THINGS PASS YET.

AGAIN, THE BIG PACKAGE THAT PASSED LAST WEEK WAS A PLUS, BUT I DON'T KNOW WHETHER WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF MOVEMENT ON EDUCATION OR A WHOLE RANGE OF OTHER ISSUES.

>> Barry: WE HAVE A VIEWER FROM DODGE COUNTY THAT WANTS TO TALK ABOUT TAX POLICY.

KEEP IN MIND, THIS IS NOT A BUDGET YEAR.

NONETHELESS, ISSUES RELATING TO TAXES GET CONSIDERED IN THE SO-CALLED NONBUDGET YEAR.

THIS YEAR IT'S CONCERNED ABOUT POSSIBLE CHANGES FOR GAS TAX, CLOTHING TAX AND THE TAXATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.

LET'S START WITH YOU, SENATOR MARTY.

WHAT'S LIKELY TO HAPPEN ON THE ISSUE OF TAXES AND WHERE MIGHT THAT GO WITH THE REMAINING THREE WEEKS OR SO OF THE SESSION?

>> THAT'S ONE OF THE BIG THINGS, AND ALL THREE OF US ACKNOWLEDGE IT'S A BILL THAT MAY NOT PASS BECAUSE THERE'S SUCH HUGE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IT.

SAID REPUBLICANS WERE FOCUSED ON INCOME TAXES THAT WOULD INCLUDE HIGH INCOME FOLKS.

THE HOUSE HAD ITS OWN PACKAGE, AND THE GOVERNOR HAD ONE-TIME TAX REBATES.

I THINK THE DIFFERENCES ARE SO GREAT, WE DON'T KNOW.

ON THE SOCIAL SECURITY TAXATION ISSUE, ABOUT 60% OF MINNESOTA SENIORS DON'T PAY ANY TAXES ON THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS BECAUSE WE HAVE TILTED IT TO ONLY THE TOP END, HIGHER END FOLKS HAVE THAT.

THE COST OF ELIMINATING THAT, THE TAXES THAT OTHER PEOPLE WOULD PAY WOULD GO UP BY A BILLION DOLLARS IF WE ELIMINATED ON THOSE FOLKS, INCLUDING THE HIGH INCOME FOLKS.

I FAVORED, INSTEAD OF GETTING RID OF IT, MY GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE WHO ARE LOWER INCOME, WHETHER THEY ARE SENIORS OR YOUNGER PEOPLE, THAT THEY PAY LOWER TAXES, AND THOSE WHO HAVE -- WEALTHIEST FOLKS, I THINK IT'S REASONABLE THAT THEY PAY THEIR SHARE, AND THAT'S WHY SOCIAL SECURITY, IF WE WERE TO DO IT, WE SHOULD DO IT THE WAY OUR CAUCUS, AND WE WILL ELIMINATE SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES, BUT WE PAY FOR IT WITH AN INCREASE ON SOME OF THE HIGHER INCOME FOLKS.

I DON'T KNOW THAT IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN.

TWO-THIRDS OF MINNESOTANS WHO ARE SENIORS DON'T PAY TAXES ON THEIR SOCIAL SECURITY.

IT'S A HOT ISSUE, BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE SAYING OH, THOSE POOR SENIORS.

I GUESS I'M JUST AS CONCERNED ABOUT THE STRUGGLING WORKERS WHO ARE TRYING TO FEED THEIR FAMILIES ON LOW WAGE JOBS.

I THINK WE SHOULD BE LOOKING AT A FAIR TAX POLICY ACROSS THE BOARD AND I'M NOT SURE IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN THIS YEAR IN TERMS OF SOCIAL SECURITY.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO, YOUR THOUGHTS, TAX POLICY.

>> THE GOOD NEWS IS MINNESOTANS DON'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT ANY OF THEIR TAXES BEING RAISED AT THE CAPITOL THIS YEAR.

IT'S A NONSTARTER.

STATE GOVERNMENT HAS NEVER HAD MORE MONEY IN ITS HANDS THAN IT DOES RIGHT NOW.

THAT'S GOOD NEWS.

OBVIOUSLY THE FACT THAT I HAVE JOHN MARTY IN AN ELECTION YEAR TALKING ABOUT CUTTING TAXES MEANS IT'S A PRETTY GOOD ENVIRONMENT TO CUT TAXES.

IT'S NEVER A BAD TIME TO CUT TAXES.

I THINK OUR GOVERNMENT IS TOO BIG.

SPENDS TOO MUCH MONEY.

ANY TAX CUTS WE CAN GET THAT DEMOCRATS ARE IN FAVOR OF THAT INVOLVE LESS INVOLVEMENT IN THE GOVERNMENT, AND KEEP MORE MONEY THEY EARN, IT'S A GOOD THING.

NICE TO HAVE AN ELECTION YEAR CONVERSION FOR THOSE TRYING TO RAISE TAXES.

BUT I WILL TAKE IT, BETTER LATE THAN NEVER.

IT DOES SHOW THAT THE STATE OF MINNESOTA RIGHT NOW, THERE REALLY ARE TWO MINNESOTAS, AND BIG GOVERNMENT AND BIG BUSINESS, HOME DEPOT, WAL-MART, TARGET, HAVE NEVER HAD MORE PROFIT.

ANYTHING TO GET IT OUT OF THE BIG GOVERNMENT AND HELP OUT INDIVIDUALS IN THE FORM OF LOWER TAXES AND LOWER RATES, IT'S GOOD BY MY BOOK.

>> BARRY, I WOULD LIKE TO RESPOND TO THAT FOR A SECOND.

>> Barry: I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT WANT TO RESPOND.

>> I ACTUALLY THINK WE SHOULD FIRST LIVE UP TO OUR OBLIGATIONS AS A STATE.

WE PROMISED SCHOOLS AND MANDATED THINGS UNDER SCHOOL SUCH AS A MUST DEAL WITH EDUCATION.

WE MANDATED THEY MUST TEACH ENGLISH LEARNING TO STUDENTS WHO DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH.

WE SAY IN A STATE LAW WE ARE GOING TO PAY FOR TWO-THIRDS OF PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION.

WE ARE LESS THAN 40% NOW.

WE OUGHT TO LIVE UP TO OUR OBLIGATIONS.

THEN WHEN WE HAVE EXTRA MONEY, THEN YOU CAN TALK ABOUT TAX CUTS.

FOR ME, I THINK THE FIRST THING WE OUGHT TO DO AS A STATE IS LIVE UP TO OUR OBLIGATIONS.

I'M NOT SAYING EXACTLY WHAT REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO PROBABLY THINKS I AM.

>> Barry: I THINK WE HAVE THAT CLEAR NOW.

REPRESENTATIVE KOTYZA-WITTHUHN, YOUR THOUGHTS ON TAX POLICY.

>> WHAT I HEARD REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO SAY WE HAVE TWO MINNESOTA AS.

BIG CORPORATIONS HAVE DONE BETTER, AND WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS TARGET THE RELIEF SPECIFICALLY AND DIRECTLY TO THE FOLKS WHO ARE STRUGGLING THE MOST, AND THAT IS OUR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND OUR STUDENTS, OUR COLLEGE STUDENTS AND OUR YOUNG FAMILIES.

I THINK THERE'S A LOT THAT WE AGREE ON IN THAT ARENA.

BUT I DON'T THINK ACROSS THE BOARD PERMANENT TAX CUT IS THE WAY TO GO.

I HEARD FROM A LOT OF FOLKS ALREADY THAT THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT A RECESSION: AND BEFORE GETTING RID OF ALL THE REVENUE THAT COMES IN BY THE PERMANENT TAX CUTS, WE ARE GOING TO BE A HURTING UNIT IN A COUPLE OF YEARS IF THINGS DON'T CONTINUE THE WAY THEY ARE RIGHT NOW.

BUT AS FAR AS CLOTHING TAXES, I DON'T THINK THERE WAS A CONVERSATION ABOUT SHIFTING AWAY FROM CLOTHING TAXES.

I THINK IT'S A POPULAR POLICY IN THE STATE.

I THINK IT BRINGS IN A LOT OF FOLKS VISITING ACROSS OUR BORDERS.

I HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT THAT.

>> Barry: WE HAVE A QUESTION FROM VIEWERS, AND THIS HAS BEEN A REGULAR -- MADE KIND OF A REGULAR APPEARANCE THIS YEAR.

CONCERN ABOUT GROUP HOMES, STAFFING IN GROUP HOMES, PCA'S, AND FILL THOSE POSITIONS.

VIEWERS CONCERNED ABOUT WHETHER THERE WILL BE ANY CHANGES IN THIS SESSION.

LET'S START WITH YOU, KOTYZA-WITTHUHN AND DEALING WITH THAT PARTICULAR ISSUE.

>> IT'S A REALLY IMPORTANT TOPIC, AND OUR PCA'S AND CAREGIVERS AND VARIETY OF SECTORS, BUT PARTICULARLY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND OUR SENIORS WHO ARE NEEDING EXTRA ASSISTANCE, KIND OF THROUGHOUT THEIR DAY TO DAY LIVES, THEY NEED TO BE LIFTED UP AND GIVEN A SALARY, HOURLY WAGE THAT MATCHES HOW IMPORTANT THEIR WORK IS.

WE HAVE DONE REALLY GOOD WORK IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.

MAKE SURE THESE FOLKS GOT A PAY RAISE.

I KNOW IT'S A PART OF THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN NOW AND THE END OF THE SESSION, AND I'M HOPEFUL WE CAN GET THEM ADDITIONAL FUNDING BECAUSE LIKE I SAID, THE JOB THAT THEY DO RIGHT NOW, THEY CAN TURN AROUND AND GET A JOB AT TARGET, MAYBE AT MCDONALD'S AND EARN MORE ON AN HOURLY BASIS.

BUT THEY ARE NOT NECESSARILY MAKING AS BIG OF A DIFFERENCE.

SO A LOT OF PEOPLE GO INTO THAT BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE HEART AND PASSION TO CARE FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR MOMENTS OF NEED.

BUT IF THEY CAN'T PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE OR A ROOF OVER THEIR HEAD, THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE TO FIND SOMETHING ELSE.

IT'S A REALLY BIG PROBLEM.

WE HAVE TO COME TOGETHER AND FIGURE IT OUT.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO ANY THOUGHTS ON WHAT MAY HAPPEN IN THIS AREA BETWEEN THE END OF THE SESSION.

>> IT'S AFFECTING ALL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, BUT PARTICULARLY NURSING HOMES.

IT'S DEFINITELY IMPACTING THERE.

THE BEST THING LEGISLATORS CAN DO IS LISTEN TO NURSING HOMES.

THERE'S TWO THINGS WE CAN DO.

THIS IS A HIGHLY REGULATED, MANDATED SECTOR.

THEY CAN'T PAY PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT.

WE SHOULD INCREASE THE COMPENSATIONS AND HAVE A LARGER MORE TALENTED WORKERS TO CHOOSE FROM.

WE SHOULD LISTEN TO THE PROVIDERS REGARDING THE MANDATES THAT LAWS, AND EXECUTIVE RULINGS.

MANY TIMES THESE GROUP HOMES ARE SPENDING MONEY ON THINGS THEY DON'T WANT TO SPEND MONEY ON.

THESE THINGS ARE NOT PROVIDING INCREASED QUALITY OF CARE.

THEY ARE NOT PROVIDING INVALUABLE SERVICES TO THE SENIORS.

THEY ARE GOVERNMENT MANDATES FROM ST. PAUL.

IF WE GIVE FLEXIBILITY TO DELIVER CARE AND PASSION AND COST EFFECTIVE WAY, IT GIVES THE ADDED INCENTIVE TO BE MORE EFFICIENT TO USE THOSE EXISTING RESOURCES.

>> Barry: SENATOR MARTY.

>> I'M GOING TO GO WITH THE DIRECTION REPRESENTATIVE KOTYZA-WITTHUHN -- SORRY IF I BOTCHED THE NAME TODAY.

SHE SAID ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FACT THAT THESE JOBS ARE PAYING TOO LITTLE.

IT SEEMS TO BE ALL THE JOBS THAT WE AS A SOCIETY SAY WE SHOULD CARE MOST ABOUT.

CHILD CARE WORKERS, PEOPLE WHO WORK AS PCA'S, PEOPLE WHO WORK IN NURSING HOMES, THE ONES THAT HELP OTHER HUMAN BEINGS, AND A JOB WE CONSIDER MOST NOBLE OF ALL.

THEY GET PAID MINIMUM WAGE TYPE LEVELS.

THEY ARE FINDING THAT THEY CAN'T COMPETE, EMPLOYERS CAN'T COMPETE WITH MCDONALD'S OR OTHER JOBS THAT ARE LOWER SKILLED, LESS DIFFICULT WORK TO DO.

SO THE ONLY PEOPLE IN THEM ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING IT BECAUSE THEY REALLY CARE ABOUT IT.

IT'S NOT A CAREER JOB, BECAUSE THEY PAY SO LITTLE.

BECAUSE THOSE JOBS TEND TO BE, ECONOMY DOESN'T HAVE A WAY OF PROVIDING THEM OWNER GOVERNMENT FUNDING THEM, WHICH IS WHY WE HAVE GOVERNMENT FUNDED NURSING HOMES AND CHILD CARE BECAUSE THE ECONOMY HAS NEVER BEEN WORKING RIGHT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE PROVIDING ONE ON ONE SERVICE.

THE GOOD NEWS IS THE SENATE, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE BILL, ACTUALLY PUTS IN A HUGE AMOUNT OF MONEY.

WE PUT IN CLOSE TO A BILLION DOLLARS LARGELY TO INCREASE WAGES IN PEOPLE WHO WORK IN NURSING HOMES, PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANTS AND SO ON.

I THINK THERE'S STRONG BIPARTISAN SUPPORT TO DO THAT, WHICH IS VERY PLEASING TO ME, BECAUSE THE SENATE MAJORITY HAS BEEN UNWILLING TO FUND A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE URGENTLY NEEDED.

IN THIS CASE THEY ARE HEARING ENOUGH OF THE CRISIS.

I KNOW ONE PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT, THE GUY WAS ABLE TO BE EMPLOYED BECAUSE HE HAD A PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT THAT COULD TAKE CARE OF HIM 24/7.

NOW THAT HE'S BEEN STRUGGLING TO FIND THEM HE'S MORE IN A NURSING HOME SETTING.

HE LOST HIS JOB FROM THAT AND SO ON BECAUSE HE'S UNABLE TO FUNCTION WITHOUT IT.

IT'S EXPENSIVE TO TAKE CARE OF THESE IN THESE POSITIONS.

WE AS A SOCIETY CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER.

I'M PLEASED IT LOOKS LIKE WE ARE GOING TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT PAY FOR THIS, AND I MEAN TO THE POINT WHERE IT WILL BE A FEW DOLLARS AN HOUR MORE FOR PEOPLE WHICH IS URGENTLY NEEDED GIVEN THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY RIGHT NOW.

I'M OPTIMISTIC THAT WILL ACTUALLY HAPPEN THIS YEAR.

>> Barry: WE HAVE A QUESTION FOR A VIEWER ABOUT THE STATUS OF THE BONDING BILL AND WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN THERE.

WE HAD A LITTLE DISCUSSION EARLIER ABOUT HOW SOME DECISIONS SEEM TO COME DOWN TO THE LAST MINUTE, AND I'M SURE THAT'S GOING TO BE TRUE OF THE BONDING BILL, AT LEAST THAT'S BEEN A HISTORIC PRACTICE.

IT IS OF COURSE A PRIORITY IN THE OFF OR BONDING YEAR, AND I THINK IT'S A FAIR QUESTION TO ASK WHERE THAT'S AT.

WHAT WE MIGHT SEE.

REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO, LET'S START WITH YOU.

BONDING BILL, WHAT DO YOU THINK MIGHT HAPPEN?

ANY OBSERVATIONS ON WHAT YOU THINK SHOULD HAPPEN?

>> SURE.

AS WE MENTIONED EARLIER, THERE'S A VERY HIGH INFLATIONARY AREA.

WE HAVE GOVERNMENT THAT WHEN THEY ARE GOING OUT FORBID ON OTHER PROJECTS, CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS, REMODELING, EXPANSIONS, THEY ARE NOT GETTING ANY BIDS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR BECAUSE THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS SO BUSY, NOT ONLY ARE THEY FULL THIS CONSTRUCTION SEASON, THEY ARE FULL WHOLE YEAR.

RAW MATERIALS BEING SUPPLIED.

THE USUALLY ARGUMENTS FOR JUSTIFYING A BONDING BILL SIMPLY DON'T EXIST THIS YEAR.

MOST LIKELY OUTCOME IS THERE WON'T BE A BONDING BILL THIS SESSION.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS MORE MONEY THAN IT'S EVER HAD BEFORE, BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, NATIONWIDE TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS HAVE BEEN THROWN INTO THE ECONOMY.

WHAT YOU ARE LIKELY TO SEE IS A POS ON THAT DISCUSSION, BECAUSE THERE SIMPLY ISN'T -- IT'S VERY HARD TO GET ANYONE TO RESPOND TO GOVERNMENT BIDS FOR BONDING RIGHT NOW.

I THINK IT'S MOST LIKELY COURSE OF ACTION, AS YOU WILL SEE THINGS TAKING PLACE IN 2023.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE KOTYZA-WITTHUHN, YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE BONDING BILL, CAPITAL INVESTMENT.

>> I THINK REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO DID KIND OF PUT INTO PERSPECTIVE THE DIFFICULTY THAT A LOT OF THE CONSTRUCTION TRADES ARE HAVING RIGHT NOW AS FAR AS SUPPLY CHAIN, ET CETERA.

I KNOW THAT THE BONDING COMMITTEE, CAPITAL INVESTMENT COMMITTEE WAS POSTING INFORMATIONAL HEARINGS PAST THE DEADLINE BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT OF REALLY IMPORTANT PROJECTS ACROSS THE STATE THAT COULD USE THE INVESTMENT AS FAR AS TIMING.

I'M NOT SURE.

I THINK WE FEEL PRETTY STRONGLY THAT WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF THE MOST URGENT NEEDS SO THAT WE ARE NOT KICKING THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD AND THAT THOSE PROBLEMS DON'T GET EXACERBATED AND MADE WORSE AND A YEAR FROM NOW, TWO YEARS FROM NOW, FIVE YEARS FROM NOW, WE ARE LEFT WITH A BUILDING THAT COULDN'T BE SALVAGED IF WE HAVEN'T TAKEN CARE OF THE LEAKY ROOF AND SOME OF THE OTHER CHALLENGES.

I'M HOPEFUL THAT WE COULD FIND SOME COMPROMISE AND COME TOGETHER AND TAKE CARE OF THE MOST URGENT PROJECTS THAT I THINK REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO IS PROBABLY RIGHT IN TERMS OF TIME WISE AND WHAT THINGS ARE LOOKING LIKE.

>> Barry: SENATOR MARTY, YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE BONDING BILL.

>> I AM HOPEFUL WE WILL HAVE A BONDING BILL.

AS BOTH REPRESENTATIVES POINTED OUT, THE TIMING IS SUCH WITH INTEREST RATES RISING AND SHORTAGES AND EVERYTHING ELSE, AND THE BIG FEDERAL INFLUX OF FUNDING FOR INFRASTRUCTURE ALL ARE AGAINST IT ON THE OTHER SIDE, AND SENATE COMPLAINT INVESTMENT CHAIR, WITH REPUBLICANS IN CHARGE AND THE PERSON THAT THEY APPOINT IS TOM BAKK, REALLY, FORMER CARPENTER, HE'S BIG ON BONDING BILLS.

WE ALL KNOW IT TAKES A SUPER MAJORITY THAT BORROWS BILL AT THE CAPITAL.

BECAUSE OF THAT, BECAUSE IT REQUIRES ALL FOUR CAUCUSES TO HAVE BUY-IN, I'M NOT SURE IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN.

THE PEOPLE ARE, AS YOU SAID, IT'S ALWAYS A LAST MINUTE THING, AND THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING AT PUTTING TOGETHER A PACKAGE, AND I WOULD GIVE IT 50/50 CHANCE OF HAPPENING.

>> Barry: WE HAVE A VIEWER FROM BLOOMINGTON WHO WANTS TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT THE CHANCES ARE OF PHASING LEAD OUT OF HUNTING AND FISHING.

THAT'S A VERY SPECIFIC KIND OF QUESTION, WHICH WE WILL TRY TO ANSWER.

I THINK, ALSO, THIS IS A GOOD TIME TO TALK ABOUT WHAT ACTION, IF ANY, WE ARE LIKELY TO SEE ON DNR KINDS OF ISSUES.

SO IT'S A MORE GENERAL TOPIC AT THE SAME TIME.

LET'S START WITH YOU, SENATOR MARTY.

YOU HAVE WATCHED THESE ISSUES OVER THE YEARS.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> ON THE SPECIFIC QUESTION FROM THE VIEWER, I WOULD SAY I VERY MUCH WISH WE COULD GET THAT DONE.

WE OFFERED AN AMENDMENT.

IT WAS REJECTED BY THE MAJORITY.

TO ME, WHEN YOU SEE ALL THE WOUNDS CONTAMINATED FROM LEAD AND YOU SEE ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH OUR WILDLIFE BECAUSE IT LET IN FISHING EQUIPMENT, IT'S SOMETHING WE OUGHT TO BAN.

THERE'S NO NEED FOR IT ANYMORE.

STEEL SHOT USED TO BE MORE EXPENSIVE.

IT'S NOT ANYMORE.

I HOPE WE CAN DO IT IN THE NEXT YEAR.

IT'S NOT GOING TO PASS THIS YEAR.

THE SENATE MAJORITY WILL NOT ACCEPT IT.

ON BROADER ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, THERE ARE MANY OF THEM TO BE ADDRESSED AND BECAUSE THERE ARE STRONG DISAGREEMENTS LIKE ON ENERGY RELATED ONES, THE SENATE TRANSPORTATION BILL EXPLICITLY BANS THE USE OF STATE DOLLARS TO MATCH FEDERAL FUNDS ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE.

THAT'S ONE THAT I THINK THERE'S $68 MILLION THAT MINNESOTA COULD GET THAT'S SET ASIDE FOR MINNESOTA.

THE SENATE MAJORITY IS SAYING NO.

SENATE REPUBLICANS HAVE EXPLICITLY SAID WE ARE NOT GOING TO ALLOW ANY PUBLIC FUNDS OR STATE FUNDS USED TO MATCH A REQUIREMENT FOR THAT.

TO ME, I THINK THERE'S A HUGE DIFFERENCE.

I THINK THE HOUSE DEMOCRATS ARE PUSHING FOR SIGNIFICANT CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL THINGS AND THE SENATE IS PUSHING AGAINST THEM UNFORTUNATELY.

I'M NOT SURE A LOT IS GOING TO HAPPEN ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION THIS YEAR.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO, YOUR THOUGHTS OF THE HUNTING AND FISHING ISSUE AND MORE GENERALLY DNR LEGISLATION.

>> AS SENATOR MARTY SAID, I THINK IT'S UNLIKELY YOU WILL SEE ANY OF THESE MEASURES, THE OPPOSITION TO BANNING ALL AMMUNITION TYPES OF LEAD PROVIDES A LESS LETHAL SHOT, AND IF YOU HAVE OR SHOOTING ANIMALS THAT DON'T IMMEDIATELY DIE, SECOND OF ALL, WE HAVE A SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUE RIGHT NOW WITH SUPPLYING AMMUNITION.

THIS WOULD MAKE IT EVEN WORSE.

THERE'S BEEN A LONG BIPARTISAN OPPOSITION TO DOING THAT.

I DON'T SEE THAT CHANGING THIS YEAR.

IN TERMS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, I THINK SOMETHING TO KEEP AN EYE ON IS THE ENVIRONMENT NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND, THE CONSTITUTIONAL DEDICATION EXPIRED IN 2025, AND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN SLEEPING AT THE SWITCH AND KIND OF WOKE UP AND FIGURED OUT THEY WANT THAT EXTENDED THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DO SOMETHING.

I'M SOMEONE WHO FEELS LIKE THERE'S OVER A BILLION DOLLARS AND THAT THAT TRUST FUND RIGHT NOW IS CONSTITUTIONALLY DEDICATED, I THINK WE CAN TAKE NEW PROCEEDS AND DEDICATE IT ELSEWHERE, BUT IT'S GOING TO BE A BIG CONVERSATION IN THE NEXT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE KOTYZA-WITTHUHN, YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> IN OUR HOUSE ENVIRONMENT BILL, WE HAVE A LOT -- WE ARE DOING A LOT TOWARD LEAD IN TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT CERTAIN PARTS OF LAND FOR HUNTING AND FISHING DON'T SEE AN INCREASE OR USAGE OF LEAD -- SO I THINK THAT PARTICULAR AREAS, I THINK THAT THAT IS REALLY A GOOD MOVE, MAKING SURE THAT OUR ANIMALS ARE PROTECTED, THAT OUR WATER REMAINS CLEAN.

THERE'S A COUPLE OF OTHER THINGS THAT WE ARE DOING IN THE ENVIRONMENT BILL IN TERMS OF LEAD.

THAT'S A BAN PROHIBITING THE SALE OF PRODUCTS, JEWELRY, TOYS, PRODUCTS, WAR GAMES, AND SO THOSE ARE BANNED, BUT THEY CONTAIN LEAD, MORE THAN 90 PARTS PER MILLION.

WE ALSO HAVE AN ALLOCATION IN THERE FOR LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT.

WORKING WITH THEM AT COUNCIL IN ORDER FOR THEM TO DIRECT APPROPRIATIONS, IF MUNICIPALITIES ARE LOOKING TO REPLACE THEIR LINES, THEY CAN APPLY FOR SOME WATCHING GRANTS IN ORDER TO HELP THEM DO THAT.

IT SURGE IS A DANGEROUS THING, AND WE KNOW NO AMOUNT OF EXPOSURE TO LEAD IS SAFE.

I THINK WE NEED TO CONTINUE MAKING PROGRESS IN THAT AREA.

>> Barry: WE HAVE A QUESTION FROM A VIEWER ABOUT HIGHER EDUCATION AND WHAT WE MIGHT SEE IN TERMS OF BUDGETING ISSUES OR POTENTIAL EXTRA RESOURCES SUPPLIED THERE IN THIS -- WHAT'S LEFT OF THIS SESSION.

LET ME START WITH YOU, REPRESENTATIVE KOTYZA-WITTHUHN, WHAT MIGHT BE MOVING IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SPACE, IF ANYTHING?

YOU ARE ON MUTE.

>> SORRY.

I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO MAKE IT THROUGH.

>> Barry: YOU CAN'T COMPLETE A PROGRAM WITHOUT TELLING SOMEBODY THEY ARE ON MUTE.

>> DO I WIN A PRIZE?

>> Barry: YEAH, ABSOLUTELY.

I WILL SEND YOU A COPY OF OLD STATUTES.

>> PERFECT.

PERFECT.

>> Barry: GO AHEAD.I'M SORRY.

>> NO.

THANK YOU.

YOU HAVE TO HAVE LEVITY, RIGHT?

THE BILL THAT WE PASSED OFF THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE HAS A LOT OF GOOD INVESTMENTS AT THE HIGHER ED LEVEL, AND WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE SEEN A DECREASE IN ATTENDANCE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AND A DECREASE IN ENROLLMENT.

OF COURSE WE KNOW THAT TUITION KEEPS GOING UP.

WE REALLY HAVE TO KIND OF FIND A PLACE TO MEET IN THE MIDDLE AND MAKE SURE THAT STUDENTS ARE GETTING SOME OF THE DOLLARS BASED ON SO MUCH NEED IN ORDER TO CONTINUE ALONG WITH THEIR SECONDARY EDUCATION.

ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THINGS, I THINK WE ARE LOOKING AT SOME REALLY EXCITING PARTNERSHIPS WITH DIFFERENT ASSOCIATES, PROGRAMS AND APPRENTICESHIPS AND THOSE SORTS OF THINGS.

WE KNOW COLLEGE ISN'T FOR EVERYONE.

THERE'S A LOT THAT PEOPLE CAN DO ON A LIFE PATH.

THEY DON'T FIND THEIR PASSION AND MAKE A SOLID INCOME TO SUSTAIN THEIR FAMILY AND TO SUPPORT THEIR COMMUNITY.

THERE'S A LOT TO CONSIDER.

I'M NOT SURE WHAT THE BILL LOOKS LIKE OUT OF THE SENATE AND IF WE ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO FIND ANY "COMMON GROUND" TO MAKE THOSE INVESTMENTS.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO.

>> AS REPRESENTATIVE KOTYZA-WITTHUHN STATED, IT'S BEEN THE STATE OF DECLINE.

A LOT OF THE INSTITUTIONS NECESSITATES CONSOLIDATION AND DOWN-SIZING.

WE HAVE SEEN SOME OF THAT TAKING PLACE AT SOME OF THE INSTITUTIONS.

THE SOLUTION TO THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE ADDITIONAL FUNDING OR SPENDING IN THE STATE.

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN IS THE HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS NEED TO BE ALIGNING STANDARDS AND COURSE OFFERINGS TO WHAT THE NEEDS OF THE WORKFORCE ARE.

CANDIDLY WE HAVE TOO MANY PEOPLE MAJORING IN THINGS AND GETTING DEGREES IN ITEMS THAT ARE NOT MARKETABLE.

THEY ARE NOT PROVIDING SKILLS THAT ARE NEEDED IN A DYNAMIC WORKFORCE.

DON'T GET ME WRONG.

IT'S GREAT TO GET A DEGREE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO HAVE ANOTHER UNDERSTANDING IN THE WORLD.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO BORROW TENS OF THOUSANDS TO GET YOU A DEGREE, YOU ARE GOING TO NEED TO PAY THAT OFF.

THE MEASURES BEING SOLD TO KIDS, SKILLS ARE NOT NEEDED IN THE MARKETPLACE.

IT WAS SAID BY SOMEONE A COUPLE YEARS AGO IF THERE WERE MORE STUDENTS IN AMERICA MAJORING IN JOURNALISM THAN THERE WERE JOURNALISM JOBS IN THE UNITED STATES.

WE SEE SEVERAL SECTORS OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION AND INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE CRANKING OUT AND MOTIVATING KIDS TO GET INTO MAJORS.

IF WE ARE GOING TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE, PROVIDE DISCOUNTED RATE IN THOSE AREAS THAT WE REALLY NEED SUCH AS NURSING OR MATH, SCIENCE, EDUCATION, ENGINEERING THOSE SORTS OF HIGH END, HIGH EARNING HIGH INCOME JOBS THAT MADE MINNESOTA A HIGHER STATE.

>> Barry: SENATOR MARTY.

>> I WOULD ARGUE THAT THE ONLY PURPOSE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IS NOT JOB PREPARATION.

IT'S ONE OF MANY PURPOSES AND PART OF IT IS TO MAKE US HUMAN.

THE ARTS, YOU DON'T NEED ARTS TO GET A JOB.

BUT WHY DO WE HAVE ARTS EDUCATION?

WHY DO WE HAVE LITERATURE?

WHY DO WE HAVE ALL THE LIBERAL ARTS?

BECAUSE WE WANT THEM TO BE ENGAGED AS HUMANS AS A SOCIETY.

I THINK THAT'S A BIG PART OF IT.

WE SHOULDN'T SAY THAT HIGHER EDUCATION IS SOLELY JOB CREATING, SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRAINING PEOPLE FOR JOBS.

IT'S A KEY PART OF IT.

UP IN SOME PARTS OF GREATER MINNESOTA, THE TALK ABOUT WE HAVE GOT TO HELP PEOPLE GET THE JOBS THEY CAN GET.

UP ON THE IRON RANGE, I WAS MEETING WITH SEVERAL LEGISLATORS AND AT THE IRON RANGE RESOURCE REHABILITATION BOARD.

THEY TALK ABOUT TOURISM AND MINING, AND RELATIVELY SMALL PORTIONS.

THE BIGGEST ONES HEALTHCARE AND BUILDING THINGS.

HEALTHCARE, CARPENTRY, THINGS LIKE THAT, AND HE SAID HE WAS ONE OF MY COLLEAGUES SAYING IT'S A THREE YEAR WAIT SHE WAS HEARING TO GET WORK DONE IN PARTS OF MINNESOTA BECAUSE THE BACKLOG OF JOBS IS SO BIG.

THIS GUY SAID YEAH, HIS HOMETOWN IS A THREE-YEAR WAIT TO GET WORK DONE, TO EVEN GET A BID ON YOUR HOUSE.

WHEN WE HAVE THAT AND A LOT OF PEOPLE LOOKING FOR WORK, BUILDING TRADES ARE SKILLED JOBS THAT PAY GOOD WAGES.

THAT REQUIRES FUNDING, TOO.

THE IDEA THAT PEOPLE SHOULD BE WITH DEBT, AND THAT'S A GENERATIONAL THING.

MY GENERATION, YOU COULD WORK SUMMER JOB, WORK IN THE SCHOOL YEAR AND NOT END UP WITH ANY DEBT FROM HIGHER EDUCATION.

NOWADAYS PEOPLE COMING IN WITH HUGE, HUGE DEBT.

I THINK WE AS A SOCIETY HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO DO THAT.

IT'S NOT JUST FUNDING, BUT FUNDING IS A PART OF IT.

WE HAVE NOT KEPT UP OUR OBLIGATION AS A STATE.

WE COMMITTED IN LAW TO FUNDING TWO-THIRDS OF PUBLIC HIGHER EDUCATION.

I THINK IT'S FUNDING AND FINDING THE RIGHT WAYS TO FIT THE RIGHT PEOPLE FOR THE JOBS THAT ARE NEEDED.

>> I 100% DISAGREE WITH SENATOR MARTY.

I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD BE BUILDING A GOVERNMENT FUNDED TRAINING PROGRAM TO COMPETE WITH THE HIGHLY SKILLED APPRENTICE PROGRAMS.

MINNESOTA HAS SOME OF THE HIGHEST STANDARD, HIGHEST QUALITY WORKERS COMING OUT OF THE INSTITUTIONS THAT ARE 100% PRIVATELY FUNDED.

I DON'T KNOW WHY WE WOULD FUND A GOVERNMENT COMPETITION FOR THAT THAT'S GOING TO RESULT IN MORE EXPENSES.

WE SHOULD BE -- LET ME FINISH.

WE SHOULD BE.

>> Barry: GO AHEAD.

>> THANK YOU, BARRY.

I THINK IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO KNOW ALL THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS THAT YOU SEE, WHETHER IT'S PIPEFITTERS, CARPENTERS, AND ALL OF OUR TRADE UNIONS, THOSE ARE 100% PRIVATELY FUNDED.

ALL OF THAT TRAINING IS BY EMPLOYERS, AND IT PUTS THE TRADE UNIONS IN PERFECT ALIGNMENT WITH WHAT THE WORKFORCE NEEDS THAT OUR PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYERS.

YOU CAN GET ALL THE TRAINING IN THE WORLD YOU WANT BUT IF YOU ARE LEARNING THINGS THE PRIVATE SECTOR ECONOMY DOESN'T WANT, YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GET A JOB.

I DON'T KNOW WHY YOU WOULD TAKE SOMETHING SO EFFECTIVE AND 100% PRIVATELY FUNDED.

IT MAKES NO SENSE TO ME.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE MARTY.

>> I STRONGLY SUPPORT THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS.

I WAS GOING TO MENTION THAT.

I DIDN'T.

BECAUSE I KNOW THEY ARE VERY SUCCESSFUL.

BUT IN SOME COMMUNITIES WHERE THERE ARE NO APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE, WHERE THERE ARE PEOPLE ON THE IRON RANGE THAT COULD BE TRAINING, WE SHOULD USE THAT.

THERE'S SKILLED JOBS NEEDED.

THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WANT THE SKILL JOBS.

YOU GET THEM INTO THERE, AND APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS ARE TREMENDOUS.

AS YOU POINT OUT, IT'S NOT PUBLIC FUNDING FOR THEM.

BUT FOR ME IF WE HAVE PEOPLE IN GREATER MINNESOTA THAT COULD USE SKILLED JOB TRAINING, IT'S A GOOD PLACE TO PUT IT IN.

I AGREE WITH WHAT YOU ARE SAYING.

I DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOU THINK I'M CAME SAYING.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE KOTYZA-WITTHUHN.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE TRAINING ISSUES?

>> DID I START THIS QUESTION?

>> Barry: I THINK YOU DID.

BUT I DIDN'T WANT YOU TO FEEL YOU WERE LEFT OUT OF THE CONVERSATION.

WE WILL GIVE YOU THE FLOOR.

>> WELL, I DID TAKE MY 18--MONTH-OLD UP ON A TOUR OF THE 49ERS TRAINING FACILITY, AND I THINK THAT WAS THUS FAR THE HIGHLIGHT OF HIS LIFE.

IT'S A FABULOUS PROPERTY.

MAKING SURE THAT WE HAVE THE RIGHT PARTNERSHIPS IN PLACE TO MAKE SURE THAT FOLKS WHO HAVEN'T BASED IN THAT AREA, THAT THEY CAN GET TO WHERE THE TRAINING IS AND REPRESENTATIVE MARTY SAID MAYBE IN TODAY'S VIRTUAL WORLD, LIKE WE ARE CHATTING HERE TONIGHT, WHAT CAN BE DONE OUTSIDE OF THOSE TRAINING FACILITIES OR WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS.

>> I KNEW THE 49ERS WERE TRAINING EARLY.

I DIDN'T REALIZE IT WAS THAT EARLY.

>> Barry: ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT THAT TOPIC, HE ADVISED ME THAT THE EIGHTH GRADE SHOP WAS AN ELECTIVE AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO TAKE IT.

IT TELLS YOU ABOUT MY MECHANICAL AND SHOP SKILLS.

I'M DEPENDENT ON THOSE PEOPLE THAT ARE BEING TRAINED, WHETHER IN THE PROGRAMS REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO MENTIONS OR ELSEWHERE.

>> I REALLY ENJOY MY WOODWORKING AND METAL WORKING CLASSES BUT THE DRAFTING, NOT SO MUCH.

IT'S OVER MY HEAD.

>> Barry: SENATOR MARTY AND I CAN TELL YOU ABOUT T SQUARES AND DRAFTING TABLES, WHICH PROBABLY THE CURRENT GENERATION HAS NO IDEA WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT.

ENOUGH THE GET OFF OUR LAWN MOMENT.

LET'S GET ON TO ANOTHER QUESTION.

ONE OF THE THINGS WE GET FROM THIS PROGRAM FROM TIME TO TIME ARE QUESTIONS FROM THE VIEWERS WHO REALLY KNOW ISSUES IN A WAY SOMETIMES YOUR HOST DOESN'T.

I'M GOING TO ASK THIS QUESTION AND SEE IF SOMEBODY HERE KNOWS WHAT THE ANSWER IS.

THIS IS A QUESTION FROM A VIEWER WHO WANTS TO KNOW WHAT IS THE STATUS OF THE BILL DEALING WITH ADDITIONAL YEARS OF SERVICE FOR TEACHERS?

SOMEONE HERE KNOW WHAT THAT VIEWER IS TALKING ABOUT, AND CAN THEY ADDRESS THAT ISSUE?

>> I SUSPECT IT HAS TO DO WITH THE RULE OF 90 AND GETTING ADDITIONAL -- THAT OR ADDITIONAL -- NOT BEING PENALIZED FOR RETIRED TEACHERS COMING BACK IN THE WORKFORCE.

I THINK IT MAY BE RELATED TO THAT.

I DON'T KNOW FOR SURE BASED ON THE QUESTION.

>> Barry: ANYBODY ELSE WANT TO TAKE A RUN AT THAT?

ALL RIGHT.

WE HAVE A VIEWER WHO WANTS TO TALK ABOUT TRANSPORTATION, WANTS TO KNOW WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN WITH TRANSPORTATION ISSUES IN THE REMAINING WEEKS OF THE SESSION.

LET'S START WITH YOU, SENATOR MARTY.

ANYTHING HAPPENING ON TRANSPORTATION?

>> I'M NOT SURE A LOT IS GOING TO PASS ON THE LEGISLATURE BECAUSE OF DISAGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE REPUBLICAN SENATE AND DFL HOUSE ARE SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH I'M NOT SURE WE ARE GOING TO PASS A LOT.

HAVING SAID THAT, THERE'S A LOT OF FEDERAL FUNDING COMING DOWN IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE BILL WHICH WILL DO A LOT MORE FOR ROADS AND TRANSIT AND SO ON.

I EXPECT A LOT OF ACTION WILL BE THERE, AND AGAIN THAT GETS BACK TO THE BIG QUESTION WITH THE BONDING BILL, BECAUSE THERE'S A LOT COMING FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, IT'S GOING TO MAKE STATE ACTION NOT UNNECESSARY BUT LESS PRIORITY, PERHAPS BECAUSE COULD BE SUPPLY CHAIN SHORTAGES AND SHORTAGES OF WORKERS AND EVERYTHING.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE KOTYZA-WITTHUHN, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

TRANSPORTATION.

>> TWO HIGHLIGHTS IN THE HOUSE TRANSPORTATION BILL.

ONE THING I HEARD A LOT FROM CONSTITUENTS THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC WAS ABOUT DRIVERS EXAMS.

16 YEAR-OLDS BEING ABLE TO TAKE THEIR DRIVERS TEST.

ONE OF THE POLICY CHANGES WE PASSED IN THE HOUSE TRANSPORTATION BILL IS REQUIRES THEM TO HAVE DRIVERS EXAM OPTION THAT ALLOWS FOLKS TO SEE THE SOONEST AVAILABLE APPOINTMENTS CLOSEST TO A PARTICULAR LOCATION.

A LITTLE BIT OF DAY CHANGING THERE, MAKING SURE PEOPLE HAVE ACCESS, AND IF THEY ARE WILLING AND ABLE TO MAKE THE DRIVE AND THEY WANT TO GET THEIR DRIVER'S LICENSE SOONER.

I KNOW I WENT TO A DIFFERENT COUNTY IN WISCONSIN WHEN I WAS 16 BECAUSE I WANTED TO GET MY DRIVER'S LICENSE FASTER THAN OUR LOCAL COUNTY HAD ACCESS, AND ALSO, WHICH LEADS INTO THAT LAST QUESTION THERE, WAIVES THE KNOWLEDGE TEST REQUIREMENT WITH A VALUED OUT OF STATE LICENSE BOOKED TO MINNESOTA.

I DID HAVE TO TAKE THE KNOWLEDGE TEST WHEN I APPLIED FOR THE MINNESOTA DRIVER'S LICENSE.

I THINK IT'S MORE HASSLE THAN WE REALLY GET -- PEOPLE LEARN HOW TO DRIVE.

SIGNS ARE COMMON STATE TO STATE.

IT'S NOT LIKE WE ARE TRYING TO LEARN SIGNS IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES OR TO DRIVE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT IN MINNESOTA.

THOSE ARE TWO GOOD THINGS.

OF COURSE A LOT OF FUNDING CONVERSATIONS, AS SENATOR MARTY SAID, WE HAVE A LOT OF -- WE DON'T SEE EYE TO EYE ON TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENTS.

I'M NOT SURE WHEN WE WILL GET PASSED THE FINISH LINE.

I FEEL STRONGLY, SOUTHWEST LIGHT RAIL EXPANSION IN MY DISTRICT OR I LIKE TO STAY EDEN PRAIRIE, BUT WE DID COME TOGETHER BIPARTISAN, AND WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WHERE THE HOLDUPS WERE, AND MAKE SURE CONTINUED EXPENSES DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN.

>> Barry: REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO, YOUR THOUGHTS, WE HAVE ABOUT A MINUTE LEFT.

>> REPRESENTATIVE KOTYZA-WITTHUHN BROUGHT UP THE IDEA OF BEING ABLE TO WAIVE THE KNOWLEDGE TEST.

IT MAY HAVE WORKED IN WISCONSIN BUT I DON'T TRUST THE IOWANS.

NO, I THINK BOTH REPRESENTATIVE KOTYZA-WITTHUHN AND SENATOR MARTY MENTIONED THIS, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PASSED A MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE BILL IN EXCESS OF A TRILLION DOLLARS.

IT'S GOING TO TAKE SOME TIME TO DIGEST THAT AMOUNT OF MONEY.

WE ARE ALREADY -- THE WORKFORCE IS ALREADY CONSTRAINED.

IF WE WERE TO PASS MORE MONEY FOR TRANSPORTATION, IN MANY RESPECTS IT WOULD SIT ON THE SHELVES AS WE ARE TRYING TO DIGEST THE NEXT FEDERAL MONTHS.

IF WE ARE GOING TO BE DOING ANYTHING FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES, WHICH IS POPULAR, WE SHOULD DO IT AT THE LOCAL LEVEL, CITIES AND COUNTIES, AND THE FOCUS IS GOING TO BE MORE ON CREATING A STATEWIDE MATCH SO THAT WE ARE ABLE TO LEVERAGE FEDERAL DOLLARS IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE BILL THAT ALREADY PASSED.

BUT AS ALL THREE MENTIONED, THERE IS SUCH A SHORTAGE OF LABOR IN SUPPLIES RIGHT NOW THAT IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO HAVE THE GOVERNMENT COME IN AND CREATE ADDITIONAL DEMANDS FOR SERVICES.

THERE SIMPLY AREN'T ENOUGH WORKERS RIGHT NOW.

WE HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN BUT THE COMBINATION OF THE BABY BOOM RETIRING, DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES WHERE PEOPLE ARE LEAVING MINNESOTA AND GOING TO THE SOUTHEAST, THEY WERE BAD.

WHEN COVID HIT, IT MADE THINGS WORSE.

I DON'T THINK YOU ARE GOING TO SEE A LOT OF MONEY SPENT AT THE END OF THE SESSION.

>> Barry: THAT WILL BRING US TO THE END OF OUR PROGRAM THIS EVENING.

WE WANT TO THANK OUR DISTINGUISHED PANEL OF GUESTS AND INVITE YOU THE VIEWERS TO JOIN US NEXT WEEK.

YOU CAN SEND YOUR QUESTIONS IN DURING THE WEEK.

WE WILL SEE THEY GET TO NEXT WEEK'S DISTINGUISHED PANEL OF GUESTS.

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE PANEL THIS EVENING AND GRATEFUL FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION.

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK.

THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT.

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MINNESOTA CORN FARMERS ARE PROUD TO INVEST IN THIRD PARTY RESEARCH LEADING TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE TO OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

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