Like the rest of the country, Minnesotans have struggled in this economic downturn. But in Minnesota, we have been recovering more quickly with a lower unemployment rate than the national average. We've always known that Minnesota is a special place to live and work. We are home to twenty-one Fortune 500 companies and ranked number six in CNBC's 2009 America's Top States for Business. It's because smart, dedicated individuals created the best businesses and employed the best people. However, in the face of increased global competition we must create a more competitive business environment that builds on our tradition of innovation. We also must eliminate unnecessary business regulation and streamline the permitting process. As your state representative, I will concentrate on ways to help grow small businesses, simplify and reduce business taxes and continue to invest in a well-educated workforce.

For years, Minnesota has been viewed as a leader in education, but recently our ranking has slipped as government priorities shifted away from investing in the future of our children. Investing in education is not only the right thing to do but is also the financially smart choice. Maintaining quality schools in Maple Grove and Osseo ensures new families moving in, stable property values and a well-educated workforce that will attract employers to the area. At the same time schools must be held accountable to spend as effectively and efficiently as possible. We need to create a system that supports good teachers, encourages parent involvement and weeds out ineffective programs. As your state representative, I will work to ensure our children get an education to compete in the 21st century.

Keeping our roads in good shape requires planning. Road repair may not be a glamorous topic, but as a former municipal finance director, I know that delaying maintenance on those roads costs more in the long run. Good roads are only part of the transportation picture. Minnesota also needs transit options to stay competitive with other metro areas. Bringing more transit options to Maple Grove and Osseo would enhance our business community, increase property values and give residents commuting flexibility. As your state representative, I will advocate for improved transit for Maple Grove and Osseo and improvements to our Northwest Metro roads.

Our economy is changing. Just a few years ago, "green" was just a part of a color chart. Now it means an emerging market of employment, conservation and construction practices that will transition us to cleaner energy. Our communities can be a big part of this green revolution by encouraging forward-thinking businesses to locate in Minnesota and the Northwest Metro. We can either support efforts to bring these jobs to Minnesota or see the "made in China" tag on our green products. As your state representative, I'll promote efforts to bring green jobs to Minnesota and encourage our businesses to expand into this growing market.

Maple Grove and Osseo residents say that our beautiful lakes, parks and trails are some of our most precious community assets. We need to protect Minnesota's natural resources so our children and future generations can enjoy them. Currently 40% of Minnesota's tested lakes and rivers are polluted and we have lost 50% of our wetlands. Increasingly, pollution is ending up in us as well and our children are the most vulnerable. The Minnesota Department of Health recently issued over 1,700 chemicals of high concern for health risks. As your state representative, I will work to protect our natural resources by supporting initiatives that keep harmful chemicals out of our air, water, food and consumer products.

As I talk to residents of Maple Grove and Osseo, I hear frustration over the state budgeting process. I am an advocate of performance based or outcome based budgeting, which gives the taxpayer detailed information on how well government programs are working. Taxpayers should know how their hard-earned dollars are being spent. It will also be a big step legislators can take to solve the anticipated fiscal crisis by ensuring that government spending is more effective. By thorough examination, each program can be evaluated and a determination can be made about changing or eliminating programs based on success and value. I also support creating a joint budget committee to craft one comprehensive budget bill instead of the current cumbersome process. As your state representative, I will look for every opportunity to streamline state government without sacrificing effectiveness.

Budget cuts have shifted the state's medical costs onto middle class families. For every uninsured Minnesotan who relies on uncompensated care, most families pay an annual hidden "health tax" of more than $1,000 (Families USA, May 2009). Nursing homes and hospitals are the first targets of lawmaker's sharp pencils. As difficult as balancing the budget has become, we must protect the elderly and disabled while reducing fraud and waste in other human services areas. Small business owners are also concerned about the cost of increasing premiums. The new health care law has many benefits for businesses including tax credits for 77,000 small employers in Minnesota. That bill has many other good ideas, but it lacked important cost containment provisions necessary to keeping our health costs down. Minnesota has been on the cutting edge of health care reform in recent years and we need to improve on the most problematic parts of the recent federal health law. As your state representative, I will support efforts to continue to make health care more affordable and accessible for all Minnesotans.