Kim Norton's blog

The House minority leader recently asserted – on the House floor, no less – that “nothing is getting done” this session. (The implication being that it’s somehow because the DFL now controls the body). I don’t know what his schedule is like, but most Representatives, including me, are busy doing what legislators do at this time during the session: they are researching bills, hearing committee testimony and listening to what their constituents want. The passing of bills nearly always comes toward the end of the session, AFTER the committee hearings.

Because most of the preliminary work is done in committee, it’s easy to see how legislators develop specialized “niches”. That expertise allows them to gauge a new proposal’s effect on overall policy in specific areas. I have noticed, though, that fresh eyes can be valuable in bringing a new perspective and raising common sense questions.

Every day is different; every day offers a new opportunity to learn. I guess life has always been that way, but the numbers of opportunities in the Legislature seem endless right now, and much of the learning happens in committees!

I serve on four committees currently: Bioscience and Emerging Technologies; Higher Education and Workforce Development Policy and Finance; Health Care and Human Service Policy; and Licensure/Scope of Practice Sub-Committee.

In a nutshell, our committees have spent the first few weeks hearing reports from individuals, organizations and departments. A few bills are starting to make their way to the committees now, so testimony in support of these bills is also beginning.

I’ve been asked repeatedly “What’s it like?” or “What do you do every day?” or “Are you having fun?” since being elected to office.

With just over a week under my belt I thought I’d try to give a brief overview of what a day in the life of a freshman legislator is like....

My first day: I was sworn in to office on Jan. 3 in the presence of my husband and 16-year-old daughter. I was also honored to have about 10 friends and constituents from Rochester behind me in the gallery and in the House Chamber join me for the event. I think, despite the length of the session, that everyone enjoyed the day. It was very moving to sit at “my” desk for the first time in our beautiful House Chambers in the State Capitol as I took the oath of office.

Many people don’t realize that some of the “new” initiatives we see each year in are in fact national initiatives constructed by special interest groups, political think tanks or top-down initiatives. One might argue, and I would agree, that this does not make them in and of themselves bad ideas. In fact, I’m sure many good ideas have come from individuals or groups not in our own back yard.

One such education initiative sweeping the country is the “65 (or 70%) Solution”. In answer to the tiresome mantra by some public school critics that our schools are failing, a group has begun pushing this “answer” across the country.

Today, Memorial Day, we remember those that have fallen in service to our great country. We also honor and thank those that have served and continue to serve in the military to protect our democracy, our country, our lives.

This morning a good-sized crowd honored our veterans and soldiers for their service in a moving ceremony at Soldiers Field. Colorful flags representing the various military branches and auxiliaries were posted. Area Boy and Girl Scouts assisted the ceremony with the Ritual of Flags and Placing of Wreaths helping to assure that this new generation of young people understand and value the sacrifices of past generations. General Logan's Orders #4 and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address were read as is customary, but also provide an important and meaningful link to our past.

I’m so glad I took a constituent up on his request that I participate in Rochester’s semiannual “Homeless Count” which took place last Friday.

As a regular volunteer with Interfaith Hospitality Network I am fully aware that we have a homeless population in Rochester. For years, the Network has provided temporary housing and cared for many families with children. Most of us also know about the Dorothy Day House and the caring temporary support they provide homeless men in our community.

But I gained a much better understanding of the nature of homelessness and a firsthand view of the challenges these

I had the opportunity to attend a roundtable discussion this past week hosted by Growth & Justice, a progressive public policy think tank who seeks “to make Minnesota’s economy more prosperous, fair and environmentally sustainable”, and thought I’d share a bit of information with you about this group.

The growing partisan split in this country and state have caused some to seek new alternatives to build support for progress and to work to preserve our state’s strong past economic performance, high standard of living and excellent academic reputation. Minnesota’s slow recovery from the last recession, witness of real wage decline, increasing numbers of uninsured citizenry, increased traffic congestion and declining high school graduation rates were all cited as reasons for the need to do things differently.

I pulled some information together about women for a recent women's group/book discussion on the subject and thought you might find the facts interesting as well.

Following are some facts about women as they relate to federal and state level government with reference to our great state, as well. Also included are a few points worth pondering concerning women in the business world...lest you think there is not a leadership gap.

Additionally, there is plenty of research showing the importance of women in decision making at both the business and political levels. Enjoy...

At The Federal Level

I’m often asked how I came to serve on the school board and, since my decision to run for higher office, whether I’ve always had an interest in politics. My answer? I came to public service as a result of my years of advocacy on behalf of children’s issues. It was a passion for public education and speaking on behalf of the needs of our youngest citizens that drew me to seek a position on the school board and resulted in my decision to run for Minnesota House Seat 29B.



While serving on the state and national PTA and as a school board member, I’ve had the opportunity to teach other parents how to advocate for issues and run a successful lobby effort or campaign. In fact, as a school board member I’ve been the recipient of some of my own handiwork…and couldn’t be more pleased!


That's right, the March 7th Caucuses are your opportunity to influence the direction of the political party you feel most aligned with and to set the stage for the 2006 elections!

As a DFL candidate running for office, I would like to encourage all those individuals who find themselves most often identifying with the Democratic Party to join us this Tuesday evening to help set the direction, tone and future of our party.

Never been to a Caucus? That's okay, come anyway! This grassroots method of political involvement might be just the ticket to help you become a part of the solution and to choose the leadership that will take your ideas to St. Paul!