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Solar Subsidies in Minnesota, Part 2

admin — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:00:56 +0000

In Finance and Commerce, freelance writer Dan Haugen attempts to answer the question that I posed a couple of weeks ago. Dan phrases the question from the point of view of two local solar manufacturers, “How will Silicon Energy and TenKsolar manage in oversupplied solar panel market?” (Read more….)

Reinventing Environmentalism Event this Wed. Oct. 12 at the Kelly Inn with Don Parmeter

admin — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:10:17 +0000

If you agree that environmentalism needs a radical change in course, join us for an event tomorrow. Contact Don Parmeter (612) 558 – 2859. Call with any questions or comments. Reinventing Environmentalism 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 12 Kelly Inn, St. Paul Agenda 1. Introductions 2. Additions/changes to the agenda 3. Review/Update of Issues: a. [...]

2011 Special Session Bills: Update

Kim Crockett — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:45:39 +0000

The House and Senate have posted and voted on Special Session 2011 bills.

Legislative Update on Energy and Environment: April 12

Kim Crockett — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:26:34 +0000

As you know from media reports, budget bills have dominated action at the state legislature the past few weeks. Action on coal, nuclear, and other policy bills has been put on hold. This week, however, is shaping up as “Energy Policy Week”

‘Reinventing Environmentalism’ Campaign to Kick Off in St. Paul on April 9th

Kim Crockett — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:56:00 +0000

News Release 'Reinventing Environmentalism' Campaign to Kick Off in St. Paul on April 9th Contact: Don Parmeter, Founder American Environmental Institute (651) 493-3532 (612) 558-2859 (cell) St. Paul, MN.....A campaign to give local people a stronger voice in energy and environmental policy at the state capitol and in Washington, D.C., will kick off in St. Paul on Saturday, April 9th. According to organizer Don Parmeter, the modern environmental movement is no longer a grassroots movement and it's no longer about the environment. "It's about money, power and control." he said. "It's fundamentally about governance. The question is whether we want government from the top-down or from the bottom up." Parmeter started the American Environmental Institute to

Tax Foundation Podcast on Business Climate for Plain States. Why Is Minnesota Ranked 43rd While South Dakota is Ranked 1st in the Nation?

Kim Crockett — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:49:10 +0000

You may recall that Minnesota was ranked 43rd out of 50 for Business Climate by the Tax Foundation. The Tax Foundation has produced a podcast comparing the Plain States. This may explain why Minnesota, while enjoying a lower unemployment rate than the nation, continues to lag behind some of its neighbors in job growth and prosperity. Since when do we settle for 43rd place?

Citizen Oberstar: Minnesota is not France

Kim Crockett — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:18:33 +0000

The Strib reports that Monsieur Oberstar has returned from France, only to berate backward fellow Americans:

Met Council Announces Transportation Plan for 2030

Kim Crockett — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 17:59:55 +0000

The Metropolitan Council announced their Transportation Plan through 2030. The overall thrust is that there is not nearly enough money to build all the infrastructure requested in the next few decades (price tag of $40 Billion)--and that we'll have to live with what we have, with a budget estimated at $900 million to mitigate congestion. Here the press release: http://www.metrocouncil.org/news/2010/news_689.htm

More Transit Taxes; Sincerity Costs Extra

Adam Axvig — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:10:44 +0000

By a 47-18 margin, the Minnesota State Senate passed a $73 million property tax increase on metro area homeowners to help plug a $75 million dollar hole in Metro Transit’s budget. (Pioneer Press: “Minnesota Senate votes for property tax increase to fund Metro Transit” April 24, 2009) “This should not be a surprise,” says Minnesota Free Market Institute senior policy fellow Craig Westover. “In March of 2008, Rep. Bernie Lieder, chief architect of the tax-laden transportation bill that passed over the governor’s veto, told the Civic Caucus that if the newly enacted transit sales tax fell short of meeting required subsides for transit, then counties should look to property taxes to make up operating shortfalls and not come to the state – despite the sales pitch that a new sales tax dedicated to transit would provide property tax relief.”

Does Peter Bell Actually Get It

Huntz — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:59:24 +0000

Does Peter Bell Actually Get It? In his annual State of the Region message, Metropolitan Council chair Peter Bell provided the non-startling news that in the current economy, the council is finding it difficult to fund metro bus operation. According to the Star Tribune, because new car sales are down year-over-year, the council is taking [...]