The 86th session of the Minnesota Legislature convened at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the state Capitol in St. Paul. With a $5 billion deficit looming, senators and representatives face a significant challenge. They are required by law to complete their work by May 18.

Sun Newspapers asked each local legislator to comment on his or her priorities and expectations for this year's session.

Sen. Ann Rest

District:45 (All of Crystal, New Hope and Robbinsdale, and parts of Golden Valley and Plymouth)

Political party:DFL

Residence:New Hope

Years as legislator:House of Representatives, 1984-2000; Senate, 2000-present

Contact information: 651-296-2889 or annrest@formn.com

Balancing the budget in a responsible and equitable manner is the top priority for the Legislature. It is our duty to work with the governor to make sure this is done in a timely fashion. While all options must be on the table, I will work hard to protect adequate funding for our schools and to ensure that our local governments have enough resources to provide for public safety requirements.

Election and campaign finance reforms are on my list. I will also reintroduce adoption reform, which allows adult adoptees access to original birth certificates. I will also author judicial election reform. In addition, I will be working to pass "enhanced drivers licenses" - a program to allow Minnesota citizens the privilege of land crossings at our U.S. border with Canada without having to carry their passports.

I will also pursue sound financial management practices for state agencies, which have come under a lot of criticism from the legislative auditor in recent financial audits.

Our northwest suburbs will be affected by whatever budget solutions the Legislature and the governor pass. We need to ensure quality K-12 education and resources for our local governments. As the economic crisis affects more and more of our constituents, as they are threatened with job loss and loss of their homes, we need to be aggressive in making sure the federal government treats our suburban areas fairly with any economic recovery package.

I am pleased to be returning to the Senate Tax Committee. I will work hard to make sure that economic development opportunities remain available for our cities and that tax policies are enacted which treat all fairly.

District: 45B (Robbinsdale and parts of Crystal and Golden Valley)

Political party:DFL

Residence:Crystal

Years as legislator:First elected in 1972

Contact information:651-296-4255 or rep.lyndon.carlson@house.mn

Without a doubt, the most pressing business of the 2009 legislative session will be addressing the projected state budget deficit of $4.8 billion. As chair of the Finance Committee, I am in a position to make recommendations and provide oversight as we meet the state requirement of balancing the budget. It will be important that we address our deficit in a fiscally sound manner, while at the same time protect the values that make Minnesota a great place to live.

I am committed to examining our budget to make sure we are spending our state revenues wisely, recommending cuts in areas that will do the least harm, as well as possibly re-allocating funds where they can do the most good. We will also work to make the budget process more transparent so Minnesotans can better understand where their tax dollars are being spent.

Job creation is one of the most important steps to recovering from an economic downturn. With this in mind, we will introduce another capital investment bill this session, with emphasis placed on those projects that can be started immediately. This action will not only provide funding for critical improvements on college campuses and community infrastructure, for example, but will also help boost our economy by creating good paying jobs for Minnesotans.

As a former educator, I remain concerned about the financial struggles many school districts continue to face, including the Hopkins and Robbinsdale area schools. Last session, we secured a one-time funding increase for school by accessing unused teacher performance pay dollars. This session, we will once again look at creative ways to offer improved funding for our schools in the face of a budget deficit.

I also support the reform measures that will be introduced this session by the House K-12 Finance Committee. This plan would simplify and increase state public school funding, reduce property taxes and lay a foundation for every student to succeed when they graduate from high school. Our state's economic recovery and future success depend on strong schools and a well-educated work force. The Legislature must work to ensure that every Minnesotan has access to high quality, comprehensive education opportunities and that educators and parents have the resources they need to impact learning more effectively.

Finally, I will continue my efforts to expand access to higher education for children from low and middle-income families. Whether this is through tuition relief or improved financial aid, it is imperative that we make it easier for every student to continue their education.

Rep. Sandra Peterson

District:45A (All of New Hope, and portions of Crystal and Plymouth).

Political party:DFL

Residence:New Hope

Years as legislator:Elected in 2004

Contact information: 651-296-4176 or rep.sandra.peterson@house.mn

With a state budget deficit of $5.2 billion projected by June 2011, the top priority will be to resolve that gap and focus on how state government can renew our economic security, particularly in the area of job creation. This will be incredibly important, as Minnesota is predicted to lose an additional 77,000 jobs next year on top of nearly 30,000 job losses this year, making it a near certainty that revenues will continue to decline for the foreseeable future. In short, things are likely to get worse before they get better.

Balancing the budget won't be easy, and will demand that we keep every option and innovative strategy on the table. It's foolish to believe that higher taxes alone are the answer to our problems. It's also unwise to believe that cutting education, transportation, public health and the environment is the only way to go. If we've learned anything, it's that cuts alone cannot protect our future or guarantee economic success.

In light of the budget deficit, it is difficult to rationalize additional spending. However, there has never been a better time to refocus our priorities on how we spend your tax dollars. That means making sure our schools are equipped to produce highly skilled workers, our transportation and infrastructure systems are sound and efficient and our energy policies will reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I'll continue pursuing significant education funding reform to make funding simpler, more equitable and less reliant on property taxes. As co-chair of the Legislative Early Childhood Caucus, I'll also work for investments in important early childhood programs that have proven returns on taxpayer dollars.

Since 41 out of 50 states are facing some sort of budget deficit, the federal government will likely pass its own economic stimulus package designed to create jobs and improve our aging infrastructure. We've also taken steps to strengthen the state/federal partnership by urging President-elect Obama to fully fund No Child Left Behind and the federal special education mandates, allowing us to invest our tax revenue in higher education, workforce development and training.

We have a tremendous opportunity to make government more accountable, responsive and effective by streamlining and improving state government administrative functions.

District: 44 (Parts of Golden Valley and St. Louis Park)

Political party:DFL

Residence:St. Louis Park

Years as legislator: House of Representatives, 2002-06; Senate, 2006 to present

Contact information:651-297-8065 or sen.ron.latz@senate.mn

One of the most important things we need to do is balance the budget in a fiscally responsible way that does not damage the integrity of the services the state provides for the citizens of Minnesota.

I am working on a State False Claims Act that could end up being a stream of revenue for the state. I am also working on a homeowner protection package with Rep. Steve Simon that will strengthen the rights of homeowners in the event they have problems with the construction of the homes they have purchased.

After working on the I-35W Bridge Survivors Bill last year, I will be submitting a bill to lift the aggregate tort cap on claims against the state. I would also like to work on funding for Community Education programs.

I am also very concerned about education funding and the hits it could take during the state's budget crisis. I know that suburban schools are facing new challenges when it comes to funding their programs. I am also worried about the damage to cities that may have their LGA cut drastically during this biennium and the next.

District: 44B (Parts of St. Louis Park and Golden Valley)

Political party: DFL

Residence: Golden Valley

Years as legislator: Elected in 2006

Contact information: 651-296-7026, or rep.ryan.winkler@house.mn

Minnesota is in the middle of the worst national economic conditions for 50 years, and many economists expect things to get worse before they get better. The 2009 legislative session will be incredibly challenging as we work together to balance a $5 billion budget deficit responsibly.

However, in these challenging times we must recognize this pivotal opportunity to lay the groundwork for the long-term economic health of our state.

Throughout the session it will be important to be honest and straightforward about the difficult task ahead. There are no quick fixes or easy answers to close our $5 billion state budget deficit over the next two years. We owe it to Minnesotans to begin immediately exploring every possible option to balance the budget. Only by putting everything on the table, including spending cuts, tax increases and payment shifts, can we make sure that Minnesotans get the best deal when it comes time to pass a balanced budget.

As part of that process we need to meticulously sift through our state budget to eliminate programs that aren't working and streamline services where we can. We also need to make job creation a top priority. In the last 12 months alone, Minnesota has lost over 30,000 jobs and that number is estimated to double in 2009. The Obama administration's plan to stimulate the economy will help, but we need to make sure Minnesota is positioned to take full advantage.

I will be authoring the Minnesota Business Investment Act, which would help encourage investors and entrepreneurs to invest in Minnesota companies that create high tech jobs.

When we start adding and subtracting our way to a balanced budget, it's critical we keep our eye on the next generation. The way we balance our budget this session will undoubtedly affect what Minnesota's economy looks like five and 10 years down the road. It would be incredibly irresponsible to mortgage the future of our state by gutting essential services, such as education, which is essential to a strong economy.

These trying times are affecting all of us. That's why public input should serve as a significant guide to how we balance the budget and strengthen our economic future.

Please contact me with your questions, comments and ideas over the coming months. By working together, we can address our challenges responsibly and effectively position Minnesota for better times ahead.

I am pleased to be returning to the Senate Tax Committee. I will work hard to make sure that economic development opportunities remain available for our cities and that tax policies are enacted which treat all fairly.

District: 45B (Robbinsdale and parts of Crystal and Golden Valley)

Political party:DFL

Residence:Crystal

Years as legislator:First elected in 1972

Contact information:651-296-4255 or rep.lyndon.carlson@house.mn

Without a doubt, the most pressing business of the 2009 legislative session will be addressing the projected state budget deficit of $4.8 billion. As chair of the Finance Committee, I am in a position to make recommendations and provide oversight as we meet the state requirement of balancing the budget. It will be important that we address our deficit in a fiscally sound manner, while at the same time protect the values that make Minnesota a great place to live.

I am committed to examining our budget to make sure we are spending our state revenues wisely, recommending cuts in areas that will do the least harm, as well as possibly re-allocating funds where they can do the most good. We will also work to make the budget process more transparent so Minnesotans can better understand where their tax dollars are being spent.

Job creation is one of the most important steps to recovering from an economic downturn. With this in mind, we will introduce another capital investment bill this session, with emphasis placed on those projects that can be started immediately. This action will not only provide funding for critical improvements on college campuses and community infrastructure, for example, but will also help boost our economy by creating good paying jobs for Minnesotans.

As a former educator, I remain concerned about the financial struggles many school districts continue to face, including the Hopkins and Robbinsdale area schools. Last session, we secured a one-time funding increase for school by accessing unused teacher performance pay dollars. This session, we will once again look at creative ways to offer improved funding for our schools in the face of a budget deficit.

I also support the reform measures that will be introduced this session by the House K-12 Finance Committee. This plan would simplify and increase state public school funding, reduce property taxes and lay a foundation for every student to succeed when they graduate from high school. Our state's economic recovery and future success depend on strong schools and a well-educated work force. The Legislature must work to ensure that every Minnesotan has access to high quality, comprehensive education opportunities and that educators and parents have the resources they need to impact learning more effectively.

Finally, I will continue my efforts to expand access to higher education for children from low and middle-income families. Whether this is through tuition relief or improved financial aid, it is imperative that we make it easier for every student to continue their education.

Rep. Sandra Peterson

District:45A (All of New Hope, and portions of Crystal and Plymouth).

Political party:DFL

Residence:New Hope

Years as legislator:Elected in 2004

Contact information: 651-296-4176 or rep.sandra.peterson@house.mn

With a state budget deficit of $5.2 billion projected by June 2011, the top priority will be to resolve that gap and focus on how state government can renew our economic security, particularly in the area of job creation. This will be incredibly important, as Minnesota is predicted to lose an additional 77,000 jobs next year on top of nearly 30,000 job losses this year, making it a near certainty that revenues will continue to decline for the foreseeable future. In short, things are likely to get worse before they get better.

Balancing the budget won't be easy, and will demand that we keep every option and innovative strategy on the table. It's foolish to believe that higher taxes alone are the answer to our problems. It's also unwise to believe that cutting education, transportation, public health and the environment is the only way to go. If we've learned anything, it's that cuts alone cannot protect our future or guarantee economic success.

In light of the budget deficit, it is difficult to rationalize additional spending. However, there has never been a better time to refocus our priorities on how we spend your tax dollars. That means making sure our schools are equipped to produce highly skilled workers, our transportation and infrastructure systems are sound and efficient and our energy policies will reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I'll continue pursuing significant education funding reform to make funding simpler, more equitable and less reliant on property taxes. As co-chair of the Legislative Early Childhood Caucus, I'll also work for investments in important early childhood programs that have proven returns on taxpayer dollars.

Since 41 out of 50 states are facing some sort of budget deficit, the federal government will likely pass its own economic stimulus package designed to create jobs and improve our aging infrastructure. We've also taken steps to strengthen the state/federal partnership by urging President-elect Obama to fully fund No Child Left Behind and the federal special education mandates, allowing us to invest our tax revenue in higher education, workforce development and training.

We have a tremendous opportunity to make government more accountable, responsive and effective by streamlining and improving state government administrative functions.

District: 44 (Parts of Golden Valley and St. Louis Park)

Political party:DFL

Residence:St. Louis Park

Years as legislator: House of Representatives, 2002-06; Senate, 2006 to present

Contact information:651-297-8065 or sen.ron.latz@senate.mn

One of the most important things we need to do is balance the budget in a fiscally responsible way that does not damage the integrity of the services the state provides for the citizens of Minnesota.

I am working on a State False Claims Act that could end up being a stream of revenue for the state. I am also working on a homeowner protection package with Rep. Steve Simon that will strengthen the rights of homeowners in the event they have problems with the construction of the homes they have purchased.

After working on the I-35W Bridge Survivors Bill last year, I will be submitting a bill to lift the aggregate tort cap on claims against the state. I would also like to work on funding for Community Education programs.

I am also very concerned about education funding and the hits it could take during the state's budget crisis. I know that suburban schools are facing new challenges when it comes to funding their programs. I am also worried about the damage to cities that may have their LGA cut drastically during this biennium and the next.

District: 44B (Parts of St. Louis Park and Golden Valley)

Political party: DFL

Residence: Golden Valley

Years as legislator: Elected in 2006

Contact information: 651-296-7026, or rep.ryan.winkler@house.mn

Minnesota is in the middle of the worst national economic conditions for 50 years, and many economists expect things to get worse before they get better. The 2009 legislative session will be incredibly challenging as we work together to balance a $5 billion budget deficit responsibly.

However, in these challenging times we must recognize this pivotal opportunity to lay the groundwork for the long-term economic health of our state.

Throughout the session it will be important to be honest and straightforward about the difficult task ahead. There are no quick fixes or easy answers to close our $5 billion state budget deficit over the next two years. We owe it to Minnesotans to begin immediately exploring every possible option to balance the budget. Only by putting everything on the table, including spending cuts, tax increases and payment shifts, can we make sure that Minnesotans get the best deal when it comes time to pass a balanced budget.

As part of that process we need to meticulously sift through our state budget to eliminate programs that aren't working and streamline services where we can. We also need to make job creation a top priority. In the last 12 months alone, Minnesota has lost over 30,000 jobs and that number is estimated to double in 2009. The Obama administration's plan to stimulate the economy will help, but we need to make sure Minnesota is positioned to take full advantage.

I will be authoring the Minnesota Business Investment Act, which would help encourage investors and entrepreneurs to invest in Minnesota companies that create high tech jobs.

When we start adding and subtracting our way to a balanced budget, it's critical we keep our eye on the next generation. The way we balance our budget this session will undoubtedly affect what Minnesota's economy looks like five and 10 years down the road. It would be incredibly irresponsible to mortgage the future of our state by gutting essential services, such as education, which is essential to a strong economy.

These trying times are affecting all of us. That's why public input should serve as a significant guide to how we balance the budget and strengthen our economic future.

Please contact me with your questions, comments and ideas over the coming months. By working together, we can address our challenges responsibly and effectively position Minnesota for better times ahead.