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Regional CoalitionsTHE NEEDIt is becoming increasingly clear to me that we are going to need to reach outside of the State and make some regional partnerships. I would like to be the Governor that convenes the first Governor's Summit Coalition between Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin and Nebraska. We can become a much more powerful state when we work with like-minded states on issues we have in common. Agriculture, Health Care reform, Public Education Reform, Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Tribal Concerns are some of the areas where we might be more powerful in Washington. We need to send the message that we will no longer accept the practice of unfunded mandates. We cannot continue to be forced to make change in strategic areas of interest of the Federal Government without additional funding. Special Education and No Child Left Behind are clear-cut examples of where Washington wants us to get the work done, without any additional funding. Think of how powerful our relationships regionally can enhance the quality of life in our respective states. We may be in a better bargaining position with Washington, if we have the clout of three to five additional states that can coalition over issues of concern and make our needs known. |