By Rep. Paul Anderson
It was a weekend involving lots of windshield time, but one that was well worth it. Our daughter and her husband were expecting their first child in a few days, so we were waiting for the phone call. It came last Friday evening, about an hour after I had returned home from St. Paul and a busy week at the Capitol. So, we packed a few things, jumped in the car, and headed back down to the Twin Cities, arriving at the hospital around 10 p.m.
Thinking there’d be a St. Patrick’s Day grandchild, we settled into a holding pattern at the hospital waiting room. Having long exhausted the meager supply of magazines, time dragged on as the clock inched closer to midnight. Finally, around 11:30, we received the welcome news that a baby girl had arrived. We eventually got to peek in on the new little family to offer congratulations. Even got to hold the little one for a few precious minutes. Six pounds, five ounces, and the tiniest little toes I have ever seen! It’s truly a miracle to experience the beginning of a new life, and to see the proud and somewhat relieved look on the faces of the new mom and dad. Of course, gramma and grandpa were feeling pretty good, too.
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With the governor’s revised budget released last week and spending targets in the Legislature being made public this week, action on finance bills will ramp up quickly. The Property Tax Division will debate its bill this week, as will the Jobs Committee and the Agriculture Finance Committee, both taking up their omnibus bills, too. Gov. Dayton has said he will not accept any policy provisions in finance bills, and he also re-stated his position that he will not compromise any further on buffer legislation. That’s disappointing as several changes still need to be made to the buffer bill, with the biggest being final clarification on which “alternative practices” will be allowed. In addition, there are still issues with compensation, and concerns about a deadline looming this November for buffers to be established on public waters. Counties and watersheds have yet to receive any funding for their work in the establishment and enforcement part of the legislation.
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It was another great year for the Sauk Centre girls basketball team as it finished second on Saturday in the Class AA state tournament. The Mainstreeters have established a dynasty of sorts with appearances at the state meet seven of the last eight years. In this year’s title game with undefeated Roseau, Sauk Centre got off to a good start as those of us in the stands at Williams Arena roared in approval. Minutes later, a couple of turnovers against the press turned into quick baskets by Roseau. That seemed to change the game as Sauk Centre was forced to play catch-up the rest of the way. I also got the feeling that Roseau’s bench played a key role in the game as Sauk’s quick pace usually tires out their opponents down the stretch. But Roseau had the luxury of subbing four players off the bench when their starters needed a break.
Congratulations to Coach Bergman and the entire Sauk Centre team. You had a great season and were a credit to your school and to your community!
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