When a Tea Party guy wins in 25A

Those of us here in SD 18 know State Representative-elect Glenn Gruenhagen well, after all, he served on the Glencoe Silver Lake school board for 4 terms/15 years.


His win over Mick McGuire was disappointing.  Mick is a long time public servant and would have provided a balanced and well rounded approach to government.


Gruenhagen is an extremist who will likely fill the rhetoric void left with Tom Emmer's departure.


Typically, legislators serve in areas of expertise.  Veterans often serve on a Veterans committee, you get the picture.


It's not a stretch that Representative-elect Gruenhagen will serve on an education committee.  With his extremist past as a school board member, education professionals across Minnesota should shudder.


How extreme is Gruenhagen?


At a statewide school board association meeting Gruenhagen pushed his extremist agenda.

Resolutions:
Stop labeling and drugging students - 2 for; 103 against.
Emphasize rote learning - 2 for; 130 against.
Implement phonics reading - 8 for; 94 against.
Teach principles of patriotism - 13 for; 88 against.
Implement abstinence - 7 for; 95 against.
Separate classes by gender - 16 for; 86 against.
Teach fallacies of macro evolution - 7 for; 100 against.
All children are gifted - 12 for; 89 against.


At his best, 14% of school board association members supported his proposals.  And this guy is going to get things done for Greater Minnesota?


Elections have consequences...I sense a recurring theme here.

Pawlenty to go back on 2006 higher education promises

When Governor Pawlenty informed Minnesotans that he would utilize his unallotment powers to "balance" the state budget. One of the areas that will be hit hard by Governor Pawlenty's rash decision is higher education. Students and families across the state are bracing for another round of double digit tuition increases.

On the campaign trail back in 2006, Governor Pawlenty had this to say about the excessive tuition increases under his watch.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty acknowledged in a major policy address Tuesday that tuition costs at Minnesota's public colleges and universities rose too fast during his first term, and he promised to hold down further increases if he is reelected.

"The tuition-level increases were too high,'' he said in a speech at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute in Minneapolis. He added an explanation: "Keep in mind that we had a budget crisis of historic magnitude in 2003. It's now 2006, and we've gotten to the point where we are adding back to higher education, and we will again.''

Source: Startribune, July 26, 2006

He promised to hold down further increases if he was reelected. Yet, the higher education community will face some of the steepest cuts under Pawlenty's plan.

Kind of like that whole tax versus fee thing a few years ago isn't it.

And that's what ticks me off here, the shady ways of King Timothy James Pawlenty. With Pawlenty positioning himself for his political future, groups like college students will be political fodder.

During Pawlenty's first term, tuition at our state colleges rose nearly 70% and much higher at our community and technical colleges. The increases moved Minnesota from one of the most affordable states for higher education and into the Top 15 in the nation for tuition.

As recent as 2006, Minnesota earned a D when it comes to affordability of higher education.

And Governor Pawlenty wants to cut higher education?

Paulsen Fails College Students

Ashwin Madia's credentials as an Iraq Veteran are impeccable. His opponent, Erik Paulsen has struggled to obtain a position on the quagmire in Iraq or the possibility of conflict in Iran.

With that issue decidedly in Ashwin's favor, I will focus today's post on higher education.

Paulsen's record on higher education is poor.

Paulsen voted in favor of slashing higher education by $367 million, despite several years of record tuition increases at state colleges.

In April 2003, Paulsen voted in favor of the House version of the FY03 omnibus higher education finance bill. This bill funded the U of M, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU), the Mayo Medical Foundation and the Higher Education Services Office.

It cut the U by $191.5 million over the following biennium and MnSCU by $176 million (roughly a 15% cut). Tuition increases were projected at roughly 15% each year under this package. The bill passed 81-51. [SF 1511, 83rd Session, House Journal p. 3075, 4/29/03]

For the majority of this decade, college students in Minnesota have faced the double digit tuition increases, under then House Majority Leader Erik Paulsen. Paulsen also voted against the bonding bill in 2007 and 2008. The legislation provides essential funding for the upkeep of facilities on campuses across the state and helps the economy locally by allowing for building projects on campuses.

Paulsen also opposed the DREAM Act in 2007.

Madia has actually served students, as the President of the Minnesota Student Association, in essence, the Student Body President of the largest school in the State of Minnesota. When you serve in positions like this, you gain a deep understanding of the broad range of higher education issues.

From Madia's website.

Keeping college tuition affordable is essential for helping young people get a good start in life. We can make college more affordable by doubling Pell Grants, increasing funding for Stafford Loans, and helping those graduates who choose public service jobs through loan forgiveness. By making college scholarships available to high school graduates who choose to pursue careers in engineering, science and math, we can help the next generation of Minnesotans be leaders in the innovation economy.

Madia also speaks eloquently about Veterans benefits. Specifically, for todays post, we talk about the Veterans education benefits.

Restore Education for Veterans

Current education benefits provided to veterans are far lower than those originally provided to the men and women who served in World War II. Veterans typically receive around $45,000 toward their education -- just 60 percent of the average cost of a four-year degree. Veterans should be able to attend the school of their choice and have access to no-interest or very-low interest loans if their GI benefits aren't enough. Also, veterans who don't use 100 percent of their benefits should be allowed to use the remaining amounts for their children's education. Congressman Walz has introduced legislation that would allow 16,000 National Guard troops to receive GI benefits after serving 20 months on active duty. Members of the Minnesota 1/34th Brigade Combat Team were ineligible for education benefits when they got back from combat duty in Iraq due to a technicality in the law. Improving education benefits is a much more appropriate and effective way to achieve military recruitment goals than other current practices.

Ashwin, as a Veteran...gets it!

Paulsen, however, continues his lip service towards college students.

His website has a nifty little link called "Ensuring Educational Opportunities".

Paulsen boldly boasts: (note that Paulsen spelled "prepared wrong on his education area!)

I am proud to have led the charge in the state legislature for education initiatives that give parents and students the choices they need to be better preprared for getting good jobs of the future.

Under Paulsen's watch, he worked to gut higher education and provide LESS opportunities for students from lower socio economic backgrounds. Paulsen helped create the "sticker shock" that has kept students from exploring these educational opportunities.

Higher education issues are significant in my eyes. They provide students with opportunities to grow, expand our economy, and help provide the state a well educated work force. Paulsen has been a thorn in the side of higher education for years.

Jim Ramstad on the other hand, has been a strong supporter of higher education. He's been a strong advocate for Pell Grant increases and opposed the 2006 Budget Reconciliation Act, which was a "raid on student aid".

Madia is a common sense choice here. He has experience on the issues and provides a plan. Paulsen provides a cheap slogan.Donate to Ashwin here!

Erik Paulsen the "Centrist"

CD 3 GOP candidate Erik Paulsen has been engaged in a campaign to rebrand his political leaning. The 3rd CD is a rather moderate district which has been well represented by Jim Ramstad for many years. Paulsen, in a feeble attempt to lure Ramstad supporters and other moderates, has been working hard to rebrand himself from being a staunch Bush Conservative to being a Centrist.

The rebranding is full of crap.

Paulsen's voting record makes him out of touch with voters across the 3rd Congressional District.

Whether it's his votes against higher education and the significant tuition increases that have hindered working and middle class Minnesotans from higher education opportunities, voting against emergency nursing home funding, covering all kids with healthcare, or voting with big business and voting against a bill that would prohibit expiration dates and user fees on gift cards, Paulsen is out of tough with working and middle class Minnesotans.

As Paulsen and his right wing blogger friends work to lessen the impact of some of these key votes, take a look at Paulsen's record as a whole, including after he filed to run for Congress.

You'll quickly see that Paulsen is truly a Bush Conservative and not the independent centrist his campaign is desperately trying to rebrand the candidate as.

Will Pawlenty Ever Make Another Student Appointment to the MnSCU Board? (Updated)

*Updated*

We were wrong...

After searching both the MnSCU and Governor's sites yesterday, we did not come across any indications that the Governor had infact, made appointments to the MnSCU Board. We regret the error and apologize.

Three students were appointed last Friday. The community and technical college students will serve full two year terms. The technical college student position was 2 years past due for reappointment. The 4 year college student student will serve 1 year.

Best of luck to the trustee's! It will be a great experience!

Steve Sarvi: Kline Votes Against Veterans

Higher Education and Veterans benefits are two issues of utmost importance to me, all based on my personal experiences.

I tend to support candidates and elected officials who are progressive on these issues. Even if they have opposed specific legislation in these areas, they offer an honest explanation and remain supportive overall on these issues.

John Kline is not one of these elected officials.

Back about a month ago, I touched upon the antics played by Kline and other Congressional Republicans on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (HR 2642).

On the first amendment, Congressman Kline joined Michele Bachmann by voting "Present". Cute game...while voting "Present", I contend that Kline actually went AWOL on our nations soldiers, sailors, Marines, and Veterans.

Kline voted "Present" on an amendment that would provide $500 million for Facilities Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization (FSRM). Anyone else recall the Walter Reed problem? Fort Bragg?

$3.6 Billion to address the increasing price of fuel and other petroleum products. Keep in mind, a Bradley Fighting Vehicle gets just over 2 miles per gallon of JP-8 Diesel and an M1 Tank less than a mile a gallon!$

65.4 million for the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program. The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program helps members of the National Guard and Reserve transition from combat to civilian life. With the enormous increase in Veteran suicides, programs like this save lives.

$52 million to hire more than 200 additional contract managers to prevent waste, fraud and abuse in Department of Defense contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

$102 million for "Land Warrior" equipment to equip one "next to deploy'' brigade combat team with Land Warrior equipment sets.

$6 billion for the procurement of combat aircraft.

Overall, the recommendations total $96,622,127,000 and are structured to maximize support to our men and women in uniform. They meet important force protection, equipment and personnel needs, while fully funding the operational requirements to conduct the Global War on Terror.

Amendment 2 (check it out, it's pretty interesting)

Kline voted against this amendment.

The amendment contained provisions to ensure that a unit that is not "fully mission capable" cannot be sent to Iraq, which could be waived by the President on a unit by unit basis. Sending units that are not "fully mission capable" is a bad idea, which Congressman Kline supports.

The amendment also provides for year long deployments with a year back in the United States before another deployment. Again, it's a common sense part of the amendment. OPTEMPO on our forces over the past 7 years has been tremendous. Providing 1 year back in the US before another deployment makes sense. Kline opposes the common sense of this.

It also has a clause dealing with war profiteering!

Sergeant Sarvi's "boots on the ground experience" in Iraq provide him with insight on these issues that provide instant credibility.

Amendment 3

This amendment contained the new GI Bill language as well as Katrina related relief.

Does John Kline understand the need for increased education benefits for our Veterans? The "new" GI Bill would:

Work to decrease the backlog of VA education benefit claims waiting to be processed (over 120,000 at this point).

Benefits provided under the bill would allow veterans pursuing an approved program of education to receive payments covering the established charges of their program, and a monthly stipend of $1,000.

It would extend the time to use the benefit from 10 years to 15 years.

The estimated $2 billion a year needed for the program equals less than one week of war in Iraq.

Sergeant Sarvi voes to not only support Veterans educational opportunities, but also those who volunteer for civic service.

This is just one example of the lack of leadership displayed by Congressman Kline. His rhetoric does not match his voting record.

Change is needed in the 2nd and other districts across Minnesota. Steve Sarvi is the right candidate at the right time for the change needed in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District.

Steve Sarvi: John Kline's Failing Higher Education Record

Back in 2005, students across the State of Minnesota were working hard to defeat the "Deficit Reduction Act" which contained provisions to gut student aid programs.

Students from public and private colleges alike united in this effort. We met with Congressional Representatives in both offices here in Minnesota and in Washington DC. Congressmen Mark Kennedy, Gil Gutknecht, and John Kline were the elected officials from Minnesota who turned their backs on Minnesota's college students.

We got rid of Kennedy and Gutknecht in 2006. John Kline will follow in 2008.

Steve Sarvi understands the "sticker shock" that families face when helping their children make their higher education decisions. The sticker shock of a 65% increase in tuition over the past decade compounded with an average of a 5% increase in median wages hinders those in lower socio-economic groups from going to college.

Congressman Kline has failed his constituents on higher education. While in the Congressional majority, Kline voted to cut $12.7 Billion from student loan programs.

When a Democrat controlled Congress sought an opportunity to fix this problem, Congressman Kline failed, by supporting the financial industries over his actual constituents.

Perhaps his most egregious higher education vote was his vote against the College Cost Reduction Act (HR 2669). It's legislation that will provide access and choice in higher education opportunities for working and middle class Minnesotans. It makes sense, which is probably why Congressman Kline voted against it, twice!

The legislation provides the state with $482 million more in aid and saves an average of $4,300 per loan recipient, over the life of their loan.

Now here's the kicker...Congress did it without any new cost to the taxpayer. Kline opposed cutting the excess subsidies paid by the government to lenders in the student loan industry. Yes, he supported pork for lenders but not for bridges in his district.

The Kline record on higher education is bad, really bad. It's one of many reasons to support Steve Sarvi, a leader who gets it!

Pawlenty Going Back on Higher Ed Promise?

One of my favorite legislators recently spoke out against Governor Pawlenty's proposal to gut higher education to balance the state's budget.

The nearly $380 million in cuts to the U and to MnSCU triggered five years of steep, double-digit tuition increases. As a result, according to a study just released by the governor's own Office of Higher Education, tuition in Minnesota is now double the national average. In addition, Minnesota has become a Big Ten leader in student debt, with the average graduate leaving school $21,000 in the hole. Last year, we successfully put an end to double-digit tuition increases by nearly filling the funding gap left by the cuts in 2003, but the governor's new proposed cuts would derail this progress.

MnSCU faced a $193 million cut, $183 million was made up through tuition increases. The Governor's cuts were placed directly on the backs of college students and their parents.

During Pawlenty's first term, tuition at our state colleges rose nearly 70% and much higher at our community and technical colleges. The increases moved Minnesota from one of the most affordable states for higher education and into the Top 15 in the nation for tuition.

As recent as 2006, Minnesota earned a D when it comes to affordability of higher education.

And Governor Pawlenty wants to cut higher education?

Remember that Governor Pawlenty, during his 2006 reelection, talked a lot about higher education. He labeled the tuition increases of his first term as "excessive" and he promised to hold down future increases if reelected.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty acknowledged in a major policy address Tuesday that tuition costs at Minnesota's public colleges and universities rose too fast during his first term, and he promised to hold down further increases if he is reelected.

"The tuition-level increases were too high,'' he said in a speech at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute in Minneapolis. He added an explanation: "Keep in mind that we had a budget crisis of historic magnitude in 2003. It's now 2006, and we've gotten to the point where we are adding back to higher education, and we will again.''

Source: Startribune, July 26, 2006

If Governor Pawlenty had the best interests of the higher education community in mind, perhaps he would take appointments to the MnSCU Board in a more serious fashion.

The Technical College Student has served 21 months beyond her June 30, 2006 term expiration.

The State University Student has served 9 months beyond the end of his June 30, 2007 term expiration. Recall the Luke Hellier case?

It's evident that Governor Pawlenty was merely playing lip service to college students and the higher education community in 2006.

I am not opposed to "trimming the fat". As the former chair of our statewide student association, our students strongly advocated for "trimming the fat" from the budgets, working to keep tuition increases as low as possible.

Now, Governor Pawlenty wants to take the axe to higher education as he works to gut it again.

Let's hope the strong DFL majorities in the House and the Senate can keep the cost of college affordable, despite the wishes of the Governor.

A rural GOP mutiny?

Apparently, McLeod County Republicans are not satisfied with Senator Coleman.

The past month or so, multiple stories and op ed pieces have been covered in the McLeod Chronicle.

At the Glencoe caucus.

"I'm disappointed the Republican Party is becoming too liberal," Krueger said. He pointed to the elections of Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman and the fact that former state Rep. Scott Newman was "left out to dry" in the last judicial election as proof the party has changed.

"I can't go on holding my nose," Krueger said as Arizona Sen. John McCain has surged in the polls for Republican candidate for president.

"John McCain is a liberal," Krueger lashed out. "There's no difference between (Barack) Obama, (Hillary) Clinton and McCain," he added. He pointed to the media bias as having brainwashed Republicans about McCain.

The McLeod County Convention in Silver Lake

"Your voting record is disappointing to say the least," the letter stated. "Reviewing some of your votes within the last month, we wonder if you have forgotten that you are a Republican and not a Democrat."

The letter stated Coleman's support of the "Dream Act," which allows illegal immigrants access to federal money for student loans and gives a fast-track to citizenship to millions "is a sellout to millions of taxpayers in the United States who will have to pay for 'lawbreakers' to go to school" and will bring millions more of illegals into the country.

Also, the local GOPers were critical of Coleman's support for a "hate crimes bill," that will enhance punishment for crimes against homosexuals and transgender people.

"Why do you feel that a homosexual or a transgender person should be given special treatment? All crimes are hate crimes," the letter stated.

Coleman's support for a bill to spend $35 billion on healthcare for children and his intention to override the president's veto also drew criticism.

"Of course, we all want children to be healthy! But having the federal government manage the program will never work and will only lead to failed socialized medical care and cost taxpayers in America billions of dollars."

Fourth, Coleman's support of $65 million for the Northstar Corridor Rail and another $35 million for the Central Corridor Rail line at a time when the country is trillions of dollars in debt drew the ire of the local Republicans. "What is the sense in this?"

The local party board members wrote to state leaders and to Coleman that they elected the leadership; "However, there is also a responsibility on your part to support our party principles to the best of your ability.

"We don't see you are doing that; therefore, we have decided not to support you (Coleman) if you are endorsed next spring," the letter stated.

Wow, McLeod County Republican leadership will not support Senator Coleman?

The mutiny LTE: They don't like RINO's much in this neck of the woods...

This county "problem" brings to light the greater national Republican "problem." Now that the Democrats have moved from a liberalist to a socialist platform, the Republican machine thinks it is in their best interest to slide left and take up some of the liberal void left behind, all in hopes of capturing a few votes from the "other side.

"Let us tell you, those few votes aren't even going to come close to the votes you are going to leave behind. We, who make up the core of the party, are not going to slide left with you. We have reached our moral "line in the sand." We are tired of voting against someone rather than for someone.

Senator Coleman responds!

"I represent Minnesota, not just the conservatives," Coleman responded. He said his aim is to do what is right in the end on the main things important to the state.

As to the Dream Act, he said some of these immigrants have served in the armed forces, while others "are here due to the sins of their parents (born in the U.S.). Should they be punished for that?"

He said if the immigrants grew up in the U.S., they should be allowed to attend schools in the U.S.

As to the hate crimes legislation, Coleman said he recognizes the concerns of the conservatives in the party, but what is proposed on the federal level "is already Minnesota law."

He said if the federal bill oppresses folks' religious beliefs, "I'd oppose it."

He said he has spoken to a lot of conservatives who are worried about their Christian values being attacked, but he said there is no evidence that is happening "or I would have opposed it."

As to county criticism by conservatives, Coleman said the same thing is happening on the federal level with conservatives having a tough time supporting Arizona Sen. John McCain as the Republican nominee for president.

But Coleman said, "I think the talk radio" attacks on McCain, "are a death wish for the party."

He asked Minnesota conservatives if they want Al Franken as their next U.S. Senator. "That's a judgment people have to make. Or do you want Hillary or Obama there (in the presidency)?"

He said voting for McCain "is not the less-of-two-evils choice. The choices are so clear."

While Coleman said he disagrees with McCain on some issues, "he's there on life, 2nd Amendments, national security (issues)."

Coleman said he often uses an old saying from former New York Mayor Ed Koch. "If you agree with me 100 percent, you need a psychiatrist. If you agree with me 80 percent, then support me."

Ah, the DREAM Act.

In 2006, we had an actual debate in Hutchinson at Ridgewater College. Congressional candidates, State Senate and House candidates were in attendance.

The subject of the DREAM Act came up. Out of the 7 people on stage, I was the only one who knew what the DREAM Act really was about. I was the only one on stage that could actually explain the Minnesota legislation.

Michael Barrett was crazy on this subject! Senator Dille responded by saying, "It seems like Hal knows a lot more about this subject than any of us up here. I'll have to take a look at this."

After the debate, Barrett supporters in McLeod County told me I would lose the election over my support of the DREAM Act.

Damn, had I just not supported this fair piece of legislation...

Largest tax increase in Minnesota History!

At least if you listen to the right wing bloggers and talking heads.

Over Governor Pawlenty's tenure and his "no new taxes" pledges, Minnesotan's have seen exorbitant increases in tuition, fees, and property taxes.

At State Colleges and Universities, tuition increased nearly 70% over his initial 4 year term.

Property taxes have risen out of control under Pawlenty and House GOP leadership, forcing the same working and middle class Minnesotan's they staunchly defended earlier this week, to find ways to absorb these increases. Some lost their homes. The impact on seniors with fixed incomes has been the worst.

Palwenty and the House GOP's cuts to local government aid had the biggest impact on property tax increases, as well as leading to deteriorating roads in Greater Minnesota.

So lets be honest about the Transportation Bill.

Is it big? Absolutely.

Is it needed? Absolutely.

Is it the largest tax increase in the history of Minnesota? No.

The $6.6 billion bill is spread out over a 10 year period. Most revenue producing bills coming out of the legislature produce revenue in 2 or 4 year cycles.

Take a look at the increases in fees and other areas post 2003, when Governor Pawlenty had a hard time differentiating between a tax and a fee.

Tobacco fees, property tax increases, tuition increases, etc add up to more than $10 billion in increases over a 10 year span.

And these increases have hurt Minnesota more than they helped...

Jim Bakula at "Breakfast of Champions"

Jim Bakula at the Wright County SD 19 "Breakfast of Champions" event in Buffalo today.



It was an excellent stump speech! One of the best lines of the day from Jim was he pulled up a copy of the Minnesota State Constitution and talked education funding. He discussed that "150 years ago, the leaders of this State saw fit to recognize that some functions serve the common good".

Jim is right. I'll work on some more You Tubes for our local candidates and get them up as well. Bakula delivered a powerful speech today and has organized a great campaign to defeat State Representative Bruce Anderson in the fall.

Stay tuned!

Jack Nelson Pallmeyer story in Duluth paper

Check it all out here.

“I was an Al Franken supporter until I heard Jack speak a few months ago, and he just blew me away. He’s clearly better on the issues than Al,’’ party host Peter Boyle said to the group of more than 50 people gathered in his home.

Nelson-Pallmeyer is a favorite among the DFL’s progressive wing, and he has support from several local DFL leaders such as St. Louis County Commissioner Steve O’Neil, St. Louis County Attorney Melanie Ford and Duluth City Councilor Sharla Gardner.

“I’ve known Jack since about 1979 … and he’s very bright, he really knows all the issues and he can stand toe-to-toe with Norm Coleman,’’ O’Neil said at Sunday night’s event. “And it’s no secret that delegates tend to be more liberal than the party in general, so I think Jack has a good shot at this.’’

Many DFLers say the Coleman seat should be retaken by a liberal, noting it had been held by Sen. Paul Wellstone. Coleman won the 2002 election just weeks after Wellstone was killed in an airplane crash near Eveleth.

For some DFLers, Nelson-Pallmeyer is the best choice because he best embodies Wellstone’s progressive ideals. Nelson-Pallmeyer served as a foreign policy adviser for Wellstone. Whether Nelson-Pallmeyer can overcome the lack of name recognition and campaign funds is unclear. But supporters say he is building momentum.

“It’s a very targeted universe now, it doesn’t take a lot of money to reach a few hundred people who already are tied into the issues,’’ Nelson-Pallmeyer said. “I’m gaining a lot of support among the delegates going to the convention. And I know there are a lot of uncommitted delegates who I can convince between now and then.’’

Also, check out Political Muse's work on the three Senate candidates Education stances. It's a very fair analysis.

BREAKING: Tinklenberg vows to "bring back the Pell Grant program"!

From Tinklenberg 2008:

Astronomical tuition costs are putting higher education out of reach for the majority of Americans. It is time to bring back the Pell Grant program, expand “national service for tuition” programs, find ways to curb college tuition increases, and help recent graduates manage their student loan debt. (Emphasis added)

Phew. Glad Elwyn wants to bring that wonderful program back!

Whoa Nellie! Did the Pell Grant program really go anywhere? Did it really go away? I think I would have heard about this one, having been the former chair of an organization that fought for more money for Pell Grants.

According to wikipedia:

For 2006-07, the maximum Pell grant available to students remains $4,050. Students with less need will receive smaller amounts. Grant moneys can be used for tuition, fees, and educational expenses (such as textbooks or required materials for a class).

For the award year of 2007-2008 the maximum Pell Grant Award is $4,310. The maximum award for the 2008-09 award year (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009) is $4,731. The maximum can change each award year and depends on program funding. The maximum grant is to increase to $5,400 by 2012.

From the Federal Student Aid website:

The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2007-08 award year (July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008) is $4,310. The maximum award for the 2008-09 award year (July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009) is $4,731. The maximum can change each award year and depends on program funding. The amount you get, though, will depend not only on your financial need, but also on your costs to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.

It would appear to me, that while underfunded, the Pell Grant Program is still around!

How can someone endorsed by Education Minnesota post on his campaign website the urgency to "bring back the Pell Grant program'?

Seriously, talk about out of touch with the issues.

Bob Olson has actually helped people go to college. He understands the importance of these grants for individuals with great financial need. He understands that the FAFSA can be a rather complicated document and will work to make the process for applying for federal assistance easier.

How Elwyn Tinklenberg thinks Pell Grants are no longer in existence, that they need to be brought back, is beyond me!

Bachmann continues assault on working families

Bachmann Continues Assault on Working Families
Olson: Congresswoman' s Hostility Toward College Students 'Inexcusable'

For Immediate Release
Contact: Christopher Truscott

ANOKA—Bob Olson, a DFL candidate in the 6th Congressional District, said Michele Bachmann's vote last week against the College Opportunity and Affordability Act fits in with a "consistent and appalling" pattern of ignoring the plight of working families.

"It's nothing new," Olson said. "When given the opportunity to stand up for working families, Michele Bachmann has said 'no thanks' each and every time."

Among other things, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act would:

-Provide for renewed accountability in student loan programs;
-Simplify the financial aid application process;
-Increase college aid and support to veterans and military families; and
-Provide equal opportunities to students with disabilities.

Bachmann was one of just 58 representatives to vote against the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. Last fall she was one of only 97 to vote against the College Cost Reduction Act.

The Star Tribune reported on Saturday that in-state tuition alone at the University of Minnesota is expected to exceed $10,000 a year in the fall.

Hal Kimball, a Cokato resident and former chair of the Minnesota State Student Association, attended St. Cloud State University, where the cost of tuition, room/board and books topped $12,600 this year.

"College costs are soaring and stretching the budgets of students and their families to the breaking point," he said. "The only thing that isn't increasing is Michele Bachmann's willingness to show some compassion—to work for her constituents. "

Olson shares those concerns.

"The congresswoman and I have something in common: we both came from modest backgrounds and had to work very hard to get where we are today," Olson said. "The difference between us is that I want to make sure the next generation has the same opportunities we did. Judging by her voting record, I don't think Mrs. Bachmann shares my concerns at all. It's really inexcusable. "

Noting the recent reports of local economic woes—including layoffs at St. Cloud-area businesses Electrolux and Stearns, Inc., and the increase in requests for help at the Stillwater Salvation Army—Olson said higher education and job re-training are especially important.

"This is a real bad time for the congresswoman to put up roadblocks to higher education," Olson said. "With the economy in the shape that it is, we're not just worried about students coming right out of high school, but also adults going back to college to gain more skills so they can compete in a tough economy."

Minnesota lost 2,300 jobs last month and 23,000 in the last six months of 2007, according to a report in the Star Tribune.

Bachmann votes against College Students...and more!

Our friends covering the first broke this story yesterday! Ollie writes about Tim Walz support for the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, HR 4137.

What does this bill do?

This landmark legislation would do the following things:

* Encourage colleges to rein in price increases and provide consumers with helpful information;
* Restore integrity and accountability to student loan programs;
* Simplify the federal student aid application process;
* Make textbook costs more manageable;
* Expand college access and support for low-income and minority students;
* Increase college aid and support for veterans and military families;
* Ensure equal college opportunities for students with disabilities;
* Boost campus safety and disaster readiness plans;
* Encourage colleges to adopt sustainable and energy-efficient practices;
* Strengthen our workforce and our competitiveness.

Congresswoman Bachmann joined Congressman Kline in voting against this bill.

They voted against accountability in student loan programs. You had to have seen that one coming if you have read Bachmann's FEC report.

They voted against working and middle class Minnesotans obtaining access to affordable and quality higher education opportunities.

They voted against Veterans! It took me more than 6 months to get my GI Bill benefits.

They voted against campus safety and sustainable energy practices on our campuses? With the vast amount of research done on our college campuses, innovative sustainable energy practices ought to be encouraged. Bachmann does not support innovation.

While I and many others worked to ensure students across the State of Minnesota have access to affordable and high quality higher education opportunities, Congresswoman Bachmann has proven once again that she is completely out of touch with her constituents in the 6th.

DJ at I Don't Hate America reports on the textbook portion of the bill.

During debate, Walz took to the floor today and evoked the name of our late colleague and friend, Jared Stene, who we here at IDHA had the privilege of serving beside in the Winona State Student Senate and working with to bring about awareness to the issues of textbook costs.

“Jared worked for years tirelessly on this issue to bring some transparency in how textbooks are marketed,” Walz said on the floor.

Having worked on the textbook issue as well, I am very pleased to see this addressed in this landmark piece of legislation.

Who is Congresswoman Bachmann working for? With more than $27,000 coming from her Financial Services PAC's, it's quite clear Congresswoman Bachmann supports her corporate cronies, leaving working and middle class Minnesotan's to fight for the scraps.

Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer in Buffalo

Joan Pauly Schneider from Buffalo organized a really fun event. Bluewoman and I will probably try to organize an event like this in SD 18.

I'll post photos later in the day!

One of the most important facets of this event was that it brought out other Democrats that I had not met in Wright County. About 60 people were in attendance at this event and I probably knew right around half the group. Normally, we recognize nearly everyone.

Coffee and rolls are always good with a fun group of Democrats around. Jack worked the room, eventually getting to BW and I. We had a fun and short chat.

After some introductions Jack spoke. His focus on not only the issues but real solutions was powerful.

He highlighted 4 areas, chief concerns he has heard as he has traveled the state. In Buffalo, Iraq may be #1, but in Fergus Falls, it could be education. Regardless of where he is though, these 4 issues are most certanly the most important.

Global Warming: The military industrial complex moved our society forward post World War II. The time to move from the MIC to a Marshall Plan to rebuild our energy infrastructure. We spend more in 1/2 day in Iraq than we do on renewable/sustainable energy funding in the United States.

"Without urgent action we will experience devastating effects, including coastal flooding, an unprecedented refugee crisis, prolonged droughts and heat waves, and water shortages. While our country is the largest contributor of greenhouse emissions, the Bush administration has refused to join international efforts to address global warming. The economic costs of not acting to address global warming are far greater than the costs of taking bold action now."

"We need to enact effective public policies to address global warming and build a renewable energy economy. This includes setting an ambitious national goal to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2030 through conservation, efficiency, better mileage vehicles, mass transit, responsible building codes and carbon taxes. Creating a renewable energy economy will generate millions of high-paying jobs. Federal research and development dollars must be reprioritized away from new weapons systems to renewable energy."

Iraq: Going to war in Iraq based on the Bush Administration intelligence was wrong, it was criminal. Continuing our militarization of Iraq with permanent bases and lengthy multiple deployments is even more wrong. Providing lacking support to our returning soldiers and Veterans is immoral.

"The Bush administration never had an exit strategy for Iraq because it does not plan on leaving. The Bush administration invaded and occupies Iraq in pursuit of two principle goals: to establish permanent military bases and to control Iraq’s vast oil supplies. Responsibly ending the occupation depends on rejecting these goals."

"All of our hopes and dreams are held hostage to the Iraq war. The $12 billion per month we spend on the war not only hurts Iraqis, it also cripples domestic efforts to address pressing environmental, health, education and other needs at home. It is shameful that the Bush administration demands hundreds of billions of dollars to continue an unnecessary war while refusing to adequately fund programs for returning vets or health care programs for uninsured US children. "

Health Care: 50 million Americans who go with no coverage is immoral. Lobbyists and the pharmaceutical industry have a stranglehold on the American health care system.

He supports a single payer health care system that provides universal coverage, focuses on prevention, and offers parity between mental and physical health needs.

Education: Jack understands the importance of high quality public education. He is the only candidate in the Senate race who has sent his kids entirely through the public school system.

"Shifting the costs of education from general taxes to property taxes also strains budgets, aggravates inequalities and erodes financial support for public education. One day of Iraq War spending could pay for 9,600 more teachers for a year."

Intertwined within each of these areas is the facet of the economy. Shifting focus from a military industrial complex based system to a sustainable / renewable energy economy will kickstart our nations security concerns and will allow ourselves to be energy independent. The wasteful spending in Iraq, putting on our future children's credit cards, harms the economy in a profound way.

Instead of taking care of our infrastructure needs, we are taking care of the needs of another nation we destroyed.

Before his Q&A session, JNP used a FDR quote. Fortunately, BW and I had visited the FDR Memorial in DC this past November and captured the quote in stone.

"Unless the peace that follows recognizes that the whole world is on neighborhood and does justice to the whole human race, the germs of another world war will remain as a constant threat to mankind."

BW and I hung around for a bit after the event, spoke to people who had not seen him speak before, as well as spoke to some of the campaign staff about organizing activities.

It was a wonderful event. It galvanizes my progressive side. I'll always support candidates who embrace hope, compassion, and the struggles that face working and middle class American's. Candidates who have a vision for change and are working to create a movement to bring forth this change always get my support.

JNP described, in part, voter dissatisfaction with Congress. “The Democrats treat the environment (or Iraq, Education, Health Care) as if we are in a car going 150 miles per hour towards a cliff and they propose to slow the car down to 100 mph. But we need a change of direction.”

Until we reject candidates of the status quo we'll continue our 100 mph plunge off a cliff.

More on the Governor's bonding proposal

Pawlenty outlined the need to fund roads and bridges in his bonding proposal. By vetoing the 2007 Transportation Bill that would have funded a majority of these project by increasing the gas tax, Pawlenty is keeping important bonding bill money from areas that really need it and have no other rational source for funding.

We have a funding mechanism in place to assist in maintaining our state's infrastructure, specifically our states roads and bridges. Raise the gas tax. According to Article 14, Section 10 of the Minnesota Constitution, all proceeds of the gas tax go to our state's roads.

Perhaps Jason Lewis, Marty Seifert, Tom Emmer, Dean Urdahl and others ought to read this document. Instead, they perpetuate the myth that the gas tax proceeds will be eaten up by mass transit.

So Pawlenty's plan to bond for our state's roads and bridges takes needed money from higher education. It takes money away from public safety. It takes money away from our state's environmental needs.

It represents Governor Pawlenty trying to make up for a bridge that collapsed on his watch, while he ignores other areas of need in Minnesota.

Senator Tarryl Clark gets it.

But local governments might not have the money available to match funds for so many projects at once, or have the planning work ready, said Sen. Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud.

"We need to look at projects that can get under way quickly and can jump-start the economy, and while I agree that roads and bridges are important, I'm not sure it's practical to put three times as much money into them as what locals have requested."

A comprehensive transportation funding bill is needed to make progress on the state's infrastructure, Clark said.

And the news today got even better!

"Minnesota is in a recession." Minnesota state economist Tom Stinson.

Interesting LTE on Gruenhagen: From the Blueman Archives

Conservatives are whining about Glenn Gruenhagen not being endorsed by the SD 25 Republicans. As we all know by now, Ray Cox was soundly defeated for the SD 25 seat by Senator Elect Kevin Dahle.

The McLeod County Chronicle has an interesting LTE about Gruenhagen as a Glencoe Silver Lake School Board member.

To the Editor:

I have just finished attending the Minnesota School Board Association Delegate Assembly meeting where we addressed and voted on resolutions proposed by school boards and administrations.

I am writing to tell you the results of the resolutions that were written by Glenn Gruenhagen. They all failed. Period.I am sure that by writing this, you general "Glenn" supporters are going to think that it was a conspiracy conjured up by the rest of the GSL Board and its administration. That we single-handedly convinced over 105 delegates from our state to vote these down in order to send a message that we do not care about the same moral values and ideas that Glenn so adamantly believes in.

In actuality, the delegates of the Minnesota State School Board, which is composed of members of school boards from around the state, spoke out very clearly - no support.

Director (Loren) Mathews and I made the first and second motions to open up Glenn's resolutions for discussions before the general assembly to at least give them the respect that you so ill-advised your readers that our entire board didn't give them or him, when they were first introduced at our meeting on Nov. 27.

Each resolution was voted down by the general assembly, all without discussion and some with laughter.

The overwhelming opposition vote (not one of Glenn's resolutions got more than 16 yes votes) was not a surprise as the MSBA sends out a book of all the resolutions to each of its delegates.

Each of Glenn's resolutions was recommended for opposition, most of them with lengthy discussions backed with evidence and research of why it would be foolish to pass them.

Glenn does have ideas. I will say that he even has some great ideas, however, how practical are they for a public school?

Our public schools follow direction from state government, who follows direction from the federal. For Glenn to continue to push his religious, moral and educational ideas on a public school district that is under the direction of a state agency of education is a waste.

I checked and found out that Glenn does not have a license to teach, so it ponders me why, throughout his reign, he has pushed down the throats of our educators (people who are supposed to be trusting what is right for the education of our children) his demands for what should be taught to our children.

I respect Glenn's views, ethics and his faith, however, I also respect the public school systems and have felt for years that he has repeatedly overstepped his boundaries as a school board member.

His ideas are better suited for the private, religious or charter school systems whose boards have more control over their educators and administrators.

Glenn didn't even choose to have his own children finish out their education in the public schools. What has his immense desire been in controlling those same schools that he had no faith in? That is a question we should all be asking ourselves.

Glenn has also placed upon himself the role of "Guardian of Your Tax Dollars." His questioning and scrutinizing of our administrators and finance directors have been under the jurisdiction of what the roles of a school board member should be. He has a sound sense of finances.

I cannot, however, agree with his demands on the district for public accountability for every dollar spent. It is almost impossible in a school district, which has ever-changing funding from the state and federal governments, to promise where the money will be spent.

It would be a change if Glenn's approach to his responsibilities would be what the National School Board and Minnesota School Board associations see as a major role of any school board member - acting as a liaison to the community to promote good relationships between the schools and the communities.

In closing, I must ask again: What are Glenn's intentions as a school board member? What is his vested interest? The taxpayer's, his grandchilden's education (who are also not in our public schools, yet their father ran in our school board election), or his own beliefs?

I am aware that Glenn won by a landslide again, but if you look at the polls, he won by a large majority in areas where the referendum failed by a large majority.

Should we be blaming the failed referendum on Glenn? Was the way that he publicly questions the district enough to create the communities' mistrust that has been repeatedly proclaimed by this paper?

No, I believe the referendum failed because the vast majority of people who voted "no" could not afford any type of tax increase, and this is the one they could say "no" to. (Unlike our county or city taxes, which are just set upon us.)

Did Glenn do a good job of causing chaos so that people were confused and were thinking that the school district is not honest, or cannot be held accountable for the money that it is given? Well, that is up to the incoming board to deal with. They will need to pass the next referendum.

I have enjoyed my time on the school board. I will miss things, especially the community members who took an interest. With either good or negative things to say, at least you took an interest.

I wish the new and continuing members the best of luck and encourage them to heed these bits of advice:

The school board is designed to create policies and work through procedures;

You are held accountable to the people, even if you have no dea what they are talking about;

Our childen's education is priceless; it is up to you to trust your administrators to do their jobs in securing that education;

Most of what you will do will be volunteer, because you are only being paid a small stipend;

And yes, though it be your job to be a watch dog, it has never, ever been your job to micromanage our school district.

Good luck teaching that to Gruenhagen. He has been there forever and still doesn't get it. In fact, I believe he has been able to micromanage our administrators, (business manager Dale) Hurni and (Superintendent John) Hornung right out the door.

Resolutions:

Stop labeling and drugging students - 2 for; 103 against.

Emphasize rote learning - 2 for; 130 against.

Implement phonics reading - 8 for; 94 against.

Teach principles of patriotism - 13 for; 88 against.

Implement abstinence - 7 for; 95 against.

Separate classes by gender - 16 for; 86 against.

Teach fallacies of macro evolution - 7 for; 100 against.

All children are gifted - 12 for; 89 against.

So how can five GSL board members be wrong voting down Glenn's resolutions when in fact the entire state on Minnesota voted them down Mr. Glennie?

Mark Rudy

Glencoe

And the Conservatives were whiny about Cox getting beat by 13 points, despite outspending Dahle 2.5 to 1. Gruenhagen would have been massacred.

I sure hope he runs in 2010!

Dassel Cokato School Levy passes

After a lot of good ole fashioned hard work, a school levy finally passed for the Dassel Cokato School District. Well organized phone banks were the key to success this time, in my humble opinion.

The levy passed by about 400 votes, despite Rep Dean Urdahl's lackadaisical support for it.

When asked if DC should pass an operating levy this fall, “To keep up, they probably should,” he replied.

For a former teacher and supposed supporter of education, his statement falls well short of a glowing endorsement.

Another line in the Enterprise Dispatch story caught my eye.

“I would support additional funding for education,” he said

Hmmm, Rep Urdahl said that before he flip flopped on Transportation too!

My work travels take me through numerous suburbs in the metro area. In the Robbinsdale / Crystal area yesterday, I not only saw the enormous "Vote No, Oppose the Waste" signs all over the city. I saw several smaller signs that were added that stated "Thank you for opposing the waste".

I had a discussion with a long time Republican friend on Tuesday night at our bowling league (Blueman does not roll on Shabbos) about the levy situation. While we found a some common ground, I felt like I was listening to Jason Lewis.

Anyway, while the 08 session is a bonding session, I do hope we can eventually restructure how we fund education in the state. The SC Times has another editorial today that highlights this.

Minnesotans need to elect legislators willing to make wholesale changes to the education system. That must include everything from taking the politics out of curriculum offerings and graduation standards to transitioning away from tenured teacher contracts and traditional school calendars.

Despite Urdahl's numerous terms in the majority and now one in the minority, he's done nothing to change this!

The benefits Veterans cannot get

Kare 11 led with a story last night on Minnesota Veterans and how they are getting screwed out of hundreds of dollars a month in education benefits.

"It's pretty much a slap in the face," Anderson said. "I think it was a scheme to save money, personally. I think it was a leadership failure by the senior Washington leadership, once again failing the soldiers."

We covered the same issue back in July, via the Strib. Leadership in Washington has been failing our Veterans for decades.

Whether it's our Atomic Era Veterans who were exposed to nuclear blasts out in the deserts of Nevada and New Mexico, Vietnam Vets exposed to Agent Orange, Gulf War I Veterans exposed to Sarin Gas, Depleted Uranium munitions, and multiple non-FDA approved vaccinations, and our soldiers coming home from Iraq now, Veterans have been getting shortchanged on their benefits for decades.

Regardless of the political party in power I might add.

Al over at deadissue has a post from the Daily Kos that adds that 22,000 soldiers will be denied access to mental health care as they have been deemed having a "preexisting condition".

“The Pentagon has informed thousands of American soldiers in Iraq that their Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder was a pre-existing condition from before they ever joined the military. In other words, NO TREATMENT, NO INSURANCE, NO NOTHING!

More than 22,000 soldiers serving in Iraq have been kicked out of the US military entirely – booted from a war zone straight to the streets – for seeking treatment for the psychological effects of combat and brain injuries. Now, they’re jobless, without medical coverage, and in immediate need of medical treatment that Bush’s Pentagon/VA absolutely refuses to provide.”

Are we all Rush Limbaugh "phony soldiers"? Appears to me, there is a lot of phony leadership out in Washington.

Both Senator Klobuchar and Senator Coleman are looking into the matter. It's also noted that 6 Congressional members from Minnesota are looking into it.

Anyone want to bet me that the two that are AWOL are Michele Bachmann and John Kline?

Now six of Minnesota's members of the House of Representatives have asked the Secretary of the Army to look into it.So have Senators Amy Klobuchar (D) and Norm Coleman (R).