By Rich Larson, News Director
The State Legislature is sorting through several high priority issues during the current session, and Minnesota’s next biennial budget high on that list,
if not at the top.
Last week, Governor Tim Walz unveiled his proposals for the budget, and on Friday State Representative Todd Lippert said that while we are still at the very beginning of the process, he likes the direction the Governor has pointed things.
“With a budget, I’m always looking at the underlying values. A budget is a moral document. And I was pleased with the values of the Governor’s budget. It’s clear that he’s focused on a Minnesota that’s working for everyone, and not leaving people behind.”
Lippert said he and his colleagues are still receiving information from state agencies about the specifics of the governor’s proposals, but he likes what Governor Walz is talking about in terms of education, Covid-19 relief for both struggling families and businesses, and the raising of taxes on the highest earning individuals and corporations.
Lippert said, as always, there are differences of opinion between Democrats and Republicans in the legislature, but the process of talking things through is underway, and will continue throughout the session. The legislature is scheduled to adjourn on May 17th.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Representative Todd Lippert can be heard here.
Rotary supports non-profits with ‘rainy day’ funds
Northfield Rotary has committed $50,000 to local and international non-profit organizations who have struggled through the global pandemic.
The Community Action Center is the largest beneficiary of the initiative, receiving $15,000. Other local organizations receiving funds are HealthFinders, The Northfield Union of Youth, Laura Baker Services Association, Ruth’s House, The Northfield Retirement Center and Three Links Care Center.
Internationally, the Northfield Rotary club has committed a total of $17,000 to organizations in Uganda, Bangladesh, Guatemala, and the Togolese Republic in West Africa.
In a statement released on Friday, Rotary President Vicki Dilley, said the funds are coming out of the club reserves.
“We have always set aside money in case of a rainy day. So now, a year into the pandemic, we look around and it’s pouring. We are committed to supporting the important work of our nonprofits to get through this difficult time, and we hope others will follow suit.”
Additionally, because Rotary has been meeting in a virtual environment since the beginning of the pandemic, the club has donated the funds it would normally spend on food for their regular weekly meetings to local non-profits, including providing 30 lunches each week to The Key.
Hospital Auxiliary taking scholarship applications
Applications are now available for the Northfield Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Program. This year, the Hospital Auxiliary will award up to five $1000
scholarships to applicants pursuing training in a health-related field from a technical school, college or university.
Eligible applicants must be students or graduates of Northfield High School, or employees of Northfield Hospital & Clinics or another Northfield health care facility who are enrolled in or have been accepted to a technical program, college or university for study in a health-related field.
Applications can be found at the Northfield High School guidance office or online at northfieldhospital.org
The scholarships are to be used for the 2021-22 academic year. Applications are due by March 30.
