Minnesota Legislative Exchange Program Building Bipartisan Bridges
DULUTH, Minn. — A new Legislative exchange program has been pairing up legislators across the aisle to learn more about each other and the districts they serve.
Most recently, Republican Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar hosted Democratic Rep. Ned Carroll.
Rep. Ned Carroll (D) and Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar (R)
The pair visited with local leaders, toured industries, and spent time getting to know each other better.
“We went to see the airplanes being manufactured at Cirrus. We went in the woods to watch the logger’s log. And then, we went to Sappi to see the whole production line to see what’s happening. We saw the brimstone fires. He went on an ATV ride to see the trail investments in northern Minnesota. It was the first time he’d been on an ATV it was just really wonderful to see and showcase Northeastern Minnesota, and for me to be able to share that” said Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar, (R) Minnesota District 3B.
The program was started by Citizens League, a non-partisan non-profit organization, designed to help foster engagement across the aisle.
They chose Minnesota to pilot this program because it has an even 67-67 split between Democrats and republicans.
It helps identify unique features and needs of other districts, such as 3B’s large amounts of Public and State forests.
“One of the things I was sharing with the representative is why we need payment in lieu of taxes, the PILT money, because we don’t have the ability to get tax revenue from land that’s in state and federal parks, and it’s a wonderful thing. We’re a showcase for the world on the North Shore, and we’re also a showcase for all of us that live here, but it really straps the tax base, and without assistance from the state. All of that burden goes to the homeowner and people nobody wants higher property taxes.” said Rep. Zeleznikar.
Zeleznikar will be visiting Plymouth, MN. in January for the exchange program.
She urges representatives to join the program and ‘have a beer together’ like she did with Carroll.
More information on the MLE Program is on the Citizen’s League website.
