Winter New Moon of the Cold Month
The funny season is off and running. Expect next week: introduction of a repeal the nuclear moratorium bill in the House. Later, the same for the coal moratorium. A lobbyist I talked to today spoke of sticking his head in a new legislator’s office, “He was sitting behind his desk. Not a piece of paper on it.” That will change, but it gives you an idea of how new many of this year’s legislators are.
Much will be said and written over the next few months, but here’s a key thing to look for: the stability and cohesiveness of the DFL caucus in both houses of the legislature.
I feel privileged, at this age, to be in the thick of this stuff on behalf of our great outdoors, our lakes, rivers and streams, our ongoing commitment to natural heritage all Minnesotans know and love. This morning a chance that old work, community based economic development, might be relevant to this ongoing struggle emerged. I hope so. We lose so many votes over the perceived contradiction between jobs and protection of our natural heritage for our kids. This is a false choice, but we need to be more proactive in showing that it is. We need to become leaders in community based, eco-friendly economic development.
A busy, political day. Satisfying.
