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| Date: | January 24, 2012 | | Contact Name: | Susan Closmore | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-5712 | | Contact Email: | susan.closmore@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR MICHELLE BENSON, MINNESOTA SENATE CONVENES 2012 LEGISLATIVE SESSION |
St. Paul—The Minnesota Senate convened Tuesday for the start of the 2012 Legislative Session. Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) is serving her second session in the Minnesota Senate. Senator Benson gave the following statement regarding the new legislative session.
“I’m thrilled to be back at the Capitol representing Senate District 49. I’ve heard from many constituents over the interim on important issues and worked with them to develop possible solutions. In 2011, we were handed a $5 billion deficit and now, state economists forecast an $876 million surplus. This is a result of Republicans' commitment to prioritizing spending and redesigning the way government operates. 2012 is an opportunity for us to build on last session’s accomplishments,” said Senator Benson.
Senator Benson serves on the Committees for Agriculture and Rural Economies, Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications and Health and Human Services.
“My legislative priority this session is positioning Minnesota as a job-friendly state and redesigning government so it reflects the rapidly changing needs of citizens and the financial realities of today. To grow jobs in Minnesota, we need to take up reforms that address regulatory and permitting obstacles for employers. I will also focus on policies to make our tax structure more growth-friendly for job creators,” added Senator Benson. “Change is coming – we can either let it happen to us or we can lead the way with a smaller, citizen-centric government that will help us navigate the next twenty years towards a prosperous Minnesota.”
Senator Benson was elected to her first term in the Minnesota State Senate in November 2010. Senator Benson can be reached at: 651-296-3219 (office) or sen.michelle.benson@senate.mn.
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