Franson supports new government reform bill

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Legislative leaders from the House of Representatives introduced a new initiative Thursday – Reform 2.0, as a follow up to Reform 1.0 introduced in the 2011 legislative session

Reform 1.0 was an initiative that took shape over the 2011 session through reforms like the environmental permitting bill, alternative teacher licensure, and the repeal of the provider tax.

Reform 2.0 will largely focus on the policy reforms being introduced in the 2012 session.

“We need to focus on creating policy that reforms government and makes Minnesota more efficient,” said Representative Mary Franson, R-Alexandria. “We need to make government smaller, and that starts with much needed policy reform. Reform 2.0 is not a Democrat or Republican agenda, it’s a Minnesota agenda.”

Changing the way the state operates begins with budget reform, Franson added. She said the current national discussion and fiscal challenges facing Minnesota validate the need for proactive, outcome-based state solutions.

Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature say they’re leading the way with Reform 2.0.

One of the reform measures that will be introduced in the 2012 session is a constitutional amendment to require a super-majority to raise taxes.

Government, Franson said, must be more responsible and cost-effective when it comes to using taxpayer dollars, and she believes Reform 2.0 will do that.

In a more broad sense, Reform 2.0 will help to separate needs from wants, quit spending money that is not in the checkbook, and start thinking about the future, Franson said.

Members appointed to a steering committee by Speaker Kurt Zellers include: Representatives Matt Dean, Rod Hamilton, Tim Kelly, Kurt Daudt, Steve Drazkowski and Keith Downey.

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