Dear neighbors,

The 2010 session ended with a budget agreement to balance the state budget.

Although this budget deal was not perfect, the Legislature stood up for Minnesota's priorities. No cuts were made to schools, nursing homes and veterans. We've positioned Minnesota to leverage $1.4 billion in federal funds that will provide health care to 102,000 Minnesotans, properly compensate hospitals and save or create 22,000 health care jobs. It will be up to the next governor of Minnesota to make sure we leverage those federal funds.

Balancing the budget was only a slice of the work done by the Legislature in 2010. We passed a bonding bill that funds infrastructure improvements across the state. This will create 20,000 jobs. Another 10,000 jobs will be created as a result of a bill we passed in early April to help emerging small businesses get startup money so they can grow and expand their workforce.

Common sense legislation was also enacted that will keep Minnesotans safe. This includes helping police get cell phone records to find missing persons, creating DWI ignition interlock laws, and fighting domestic abuse.

In 2011 the state will face another large deficit estimated at $5 to $8 billion. Balancing this budget will be no easy task, but my priorities will be to continue to focus on the basics: a great education for our kids, reforming health care, creating jobs, and fair tax policy.

Thank you again for the honor of representing you at the Capitol.