Don Heinzman
ECM Publishers Columnist
So, what should we expect in 2016 in the Twin Cities area and the state?
I predict the year will be defined by being an election year when jittery voters will look for political medicine to calm themselves.
Precinct caucuses in Minnesota will be heavily attended by people crusading for their nominees who will favor Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democrat Hillary Clinton; I think Donald Trump will come in a close second in the state caucus ranking.
The state Legislature will use some of that $1.98 billion surplus. For sure, the transportation bill will pass without a gas tax because that’s what the voters want, and legislators in the House need to maintain their majorities.
Don’t look for any action on gun control measures, even background checks, during an election year and when gun sales in Minnesota are at a record high.
Unless there is a local ISIS-initiated disaster, I expect Minnesotans will leave the Muslim population alone and support them.
One possibility that has voter appeal in the next session of the Legislature is passing pre-kindergarten opportunities for 3- and 4-year-olds. School districts also will get some of that surplus money.
Republicans will likely seize on issues based on the so-called battle between the metro area and the outstate. They captured some seats last election, but voters, according to some outstate observers, were disappointed in the legislative results. This time around, Democrats won’t be caught sleeping on this strategy, but I predict Republicans will keep their majority in the House. Minnesotans seem to prefer a split Legislature.
There will be attempts, I’m sure, to alter MNsure, which enables people to get better insurance rates if they qualify for a government subsidy under the Affordable Care Act. Don’t expect much of a change, though, with Gov. Mark Dayton still in office.
Metro area residents, I expect, will demand the Legislature approve enough transportation funding to reduce traffic jams. While Republicans in particular deride light rail, I predict plans will proceed for new systems.
I foresee incumbent legislators being re-elected because they are well-known, not necessarily because they are effective. One interesting race will be in the 2nd Congressional District, where Rep. John Kline is not running. Look for a close race with a Democrat possibly winning.
Finally, I’m certain you will hear a lot of clamor for better urban school education and the need for a metropolitan school system.
My Person of the Year for 2016 will be the informed and enlightened voter.
— Don Heinzman is a columnist for ECM Publishers.