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Tim Pawlenty wants to start an agricultural entrepreneurship fu Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Question: Rural education faces unique challenges because of declining enrollment. How can the state keep funding adequate for smaller schools with state funding based on enrollment?
Answer: We have to re-invent the way we fund schools, Pawlenty says. He proposes funding a classroom instead of a student because the needs of a classroom are more stable than enrollment. The state would need to figure out how much it costs to fund a classroom, including teacher compensation, desks, computers, books and supplies and adjust school funding accordingly. He hopes to find districts willing to pilot this program, because going statewide would turn the current system on its ear. Districts also need to be assured they won't lose money if they try the new model.
Pawlenty has also developed a funding formula for online learning.
Question: What can the state of Minnesota do to help the self-employed afford health care insurance?
Answer: Access to large insurance pools is important for the self-employed, small businesses and farmers. If you have a small employer group, premiums skyrocket if there's an expensive claim. Bigger pools combining more businesses are needed to bring insurance costs down. There is too much risk for smaller employers who offer health insurance, they need to spread the risk over more people.
Pawlenty supports health savings accounts and led an effort to allow Minnesota residents to purchase more affordable prescription drugs from Canada.
Question: What's the state's role in furthering the development of renewable fuels?
Answer: Minnesota leads the nation in the per capita production and consumption of ethanol and biodiesel. It's a leader in wind generation. The state moved from a 10 percent ethanol blend mandate to a 20 percent ethanol mandate under his watch. He wants to increase the number of E85 pumps and move to the next generation of ethanol production -- cellulosic ethanol. He also wants the state to get 25 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2025. His state vehicle uses E85 and he's ordered all state vehicles to use the alternative fuel where available. The nation's first biodiesel mandate, requiring a 2 percent blend of soy-based fuel into all diesel, was adopted during his tenure. Pawlenty also chaired the national Governor's Ethanol Coalition.
Question: How can the governor strengthen agriculture and the rural economy in Minnesota?
Answer: Minnesota leads the nation in ag exports and value-added agriculture is supported. Farmers make money from processing and enhancing their commodities. They need to invest in and own value-added facilities.
Livestock is one of the original ways to add value to corn and soybeans. Minnesota needs to make sure it doesn't continue to lose to Western agriculture. He supports the investment tax credit. Pawlenty organized a Livestock Advisory Task Force to investigate challenges facing the state's livestock industry and make recommendations for strengthening the industry. He promoted their ideas for reforming the permitting process and offering financial incentives to encourage farm investment.
Renewable energy is another important component of the rural economy. There's also opportunities in food processing and the potential of making industrial components from commodities.
He supports starting an agriculture entrepreneurial investment fund and will push for its advancement in the Legislature if re-elected. The fund will support small businesses in building businesses around value-added agriculture.
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