State Representative David Bly, MN District 25B

Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commemoratives

David Bly — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:20:11 +0000

Give the Gift of Statehood:

With the holidays fast approaching the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission would like to offer some fantastic gift ideas. Visit our website or call 651-296-1870 for a full list of commemorative items for sale.

The Sesquicentennial is a yearlong, statewide commemoration of 150 years of statehood and a catalyst to learn from our past and connect all Minnesotans in creating a thriving, innovative future. The Minnesota Sesquicentennial Commission, created by the Legislature in 2005 to coordinate Sesquicentennial events and projects, selected four major theme areas for the 150th observances: Education, Innovation, Arts & Culture, and Health & Wellness. In addition, they will be shining the spotlight on Minnesota’s natural resources and our great outdoors heritage.

The Commission is joined in this effort by the Minnesota Historical Society, the University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota State College and University System as key players, along with Explore Minnesota Tourism, the Department of Natural Resources and other state agencies and private and non-profit partners.

Legislative Auditor Reports

David Bly — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:46:03 +0000

The Legislative Auditor released several new reports today:

1. Minnesota State Academies - The report contains 16 findings
related to internal control and legal compliance deficiencies. They
indicate there are serious weaknesses in the academies’ overall
financial management and accounting operations.
2. Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis - The report contains 18
findings related to weak internal controls and noncompliance with
finance-related legal requirements. These weaknesses indicate an
unacceptable level of management control over the homes’ financial
operations.
3. Veterans Home Board - This report contains 2 findings related to
noncompliance with travel and payroll requirements and 2 findings
related to weak internal controls over the transfer of fixed assets and
securing records. The board was dissolved in November 2007, and its
responsibilities were transferred to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

More information about these reports can be found on the MN Auditor’s website.

Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council

David Bly — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:36:42 +0000

The Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council, named after longtime State Sen. Bob Lessard of International Falls, Minn., is charged with recommending appropriations to restore, protect and enhance wetlands, prairies, forests and habitat for game, fish and wildlife. It has been predicted that the fund will reach approximately $80 million in fiscal year 2010 and $91 million in 2011.

Governor Pawlenty, the Senate subcommittee on committees, and Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher appointed a total of 12 members to the Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council. The council will recommend to the Minnesota Legislature where to appropriate money from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, created when Minnesota voters on Nov. 4 approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. That amendment increased the state sales tax by three-eighths of 1 percent, approximately one-third of which is dedicated to the Outdoor Heritage Fund.

By law, the council will hold its first meeting December 1. It will advise the Legislature on how Outdoor Heritage Fund money should be spent on everything from wetland, prairie and forest restoration to fish, game and wildlife habitat. Local, regional, state and national organizations may apply for matching grants in an effort to encourage local conservation projects. The council will submit its recommendations to the Legislature by April 1, 2009.

A Little Insight on Wall Street

David Bly — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:06:04 +0000

The recent financial crisis on Wall Street has generated a great many discussions on regulation vs. deregulation. Phil Gramm (R), retired Senator from Texas, who was the driving force behind deregulation, recently was asked by the New York Times if he still agrees with the policies he set forth to allow less and less oversight of Wall Street. If you are interested in a terrific article on what transpired read his interview. The link to Credit Default Swaps may give you more insight on the failed policies enacted by the financial institutes. In addition click on how the Commodity Futures Modernization Act, a law Gramm played a key role in writing, helped create the “Enron Loophole” that was advocated by executives of Enron.

Thanks!

David Bly — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:41:27 +0000

Thank you to all who worked so hard on my behalf. Thank you for once again sending me to the legislature on your behalf. Your friendship and support mean so much to me. I will be back in my office two or three days a week working hard on the coming session. There is much to do and lots to consider. Feel free to contact me with suggestions and ideas. It will be a help as we face the coming budget plans.

Election Night Party

David Bly — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:28:02 +0000

The committee to re-elect Rep. David Bly to his second term in MN House District 25B will be having their victory party at Froggy Bottoms in Northfield. Froggy’s is located at 305 Water Street S, in Northfield. Polls close at 8:00 PM and results should start trickling in around 10:00 PM.

All supporters are welcome so come down and celebrate the end of the campaign while we await the results.