ST. PAUL -- Minnesota DFL legislators plugged plans to increase pre-kindergarten funding Tuesday, but at the same time admitted there may not be enough money to implement their dream of all-day, everyday kindergarten.
While Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, DFL-St. Cloud, said both early-childhood and expanded kindergarten funding are needed, she and Rep. Nora Slawik, DFL-Maplewood, said the money likely won't be available for both.
"We're still playing around with the money," Clark said.
The pair suggested phasing in all-day kindergarten funding. Gov. Tim Pawlenty says funding all-day kindergarten for the 130,000 children that age would cost too much.
Veterans get support
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Legislators used personal stories to convey their appreciation for military veterans gathered Tuesday at the Capitol.
Sen. Jim Vickerman, DFL-Tracy, chairman of a Senate committee handling veterans' issues, said he wants to make Minnesota a "veteran-friendly state."
"It's your sacrifice that allowed me to be here," Vickerman said he tells veterans of his work in the Legislature.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who has proposed a nearly $75 million veterans legislation package, said Minnesotans need to recognize the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families.
Many veterans attending the St. Paul rally served in World War II, Vietnam or Korea. But Rep. Al Juhnke said Minnesota now has veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Those returning soldiers also need state assistance, he said.
"We're certainly going to address that this year," said Juhnke, DFL-Willmar, who leads a House committee handling funding for veterans assistance programs. He said his son is serving in the National Guard.
Farm tax breaks
Lawmakers on Tuesday renewed calls to give Minnesota farmers tax breaks and to expand the use of renewable fuel and energy initiatives.
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"We want to make sure that agriculture is not left behind," said Rod Hamilton, a Mountain Lake Republican serving on two House agriculture committees.
Hamilton and other members of the House GOP unveiled their agriculture priorities for the 2007 legislative session. They include tax breaks for dairy farmers who expand their operations and agricultural property tax exemptions.
Rep. Bud Heidgerken, R-Freeport said he also wants further incentives to add more service station pumps dispensing so-called E85 fuel, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
Most of the proposals have been considered previously.
