mike goggin

Goggin: GOP budget addresses issues Minnesotans Care about

Apr 10, 2019

With only two months left in the legislative session, budget negotiations are beginning to pick up. I wanted to give you a brief update on where things stand. Gov. Walz has proposed a $49 billion budget that raises the gas tax, tab fees, motor vehicle sales taxes, and more. He also raises $122...

Locals rally for laws to reduce tobacco use

Mar 14, 2019

A pair of Lake City residents joined nearly 400 youth and public health advocates from across Minnesota on Wednesday, Feb. 27, to rally support at the State Capitol for policies that reduce youth tobacco addiction. Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation, a coalition of more than 60 organizations...

Goggin: Weather didn't slow work at the capitol

Mar 6, 2019

Southeast Minnesota was battered pretty hard by snowstorms for much of February. I hope everyone made it through ok. To all the plow drivers, emergency responders, and National Guardsmen who kept our roads safe and clear, I just want to say thank you. It’s a difficult job, but I know we are in...

Sen. Goggin: Preparing for tax season

Feb 7, 2019

Tax season is upon us once again, and though April is still a couple months away I know many of you like to get a jump on filing your returns in order to beat the stress of deadlines – and maybe even get some extra money in your pocket a little faster. As you might recall, the legislature is...

Goggin: Caring for veterans

Dec 6, 2018

With the recent observance of Veterans Day, I thought it would be a good time to share some of the legislation we worked on that cares for Minnesota’s veterans. There are more than 330,000 veterans in Minnesota. Despite making up a relatively small percentage of our population, it is exceedingly...

Luncheon, tour mark manufacturing week

Oct 18, 2018

Representatives of local manufacturers attended a luncheon in their honor Oct. 5 at The Jewel Golf Club. Attendees spent time engaging with our state representatives and local leaders to discuss what is going on in manufacturing and what the future looks like. State Rep. Barb Haley and State Sen...

Sen. Goggin: New laws help rape victims, seniors

Aug 15, 2018

Think rape victims should know more about the status of their case? Think child care is too expensive? Or that it’s too hard for providers to stay in business? Tired of people scamming the system by using fake service animals? How about senior citizens? Do you know a vulnerable senior who could be...

Goggin: Bonding bill funds critical needs

Jul 3, 2018

In my June column, I discussed Gov. Mark Dayton’s end-of-session vetoes, and how disappointing it was that he was unwilling to work with the legislature on tax cuts and the supplemental spending bill that funded critical issues facing the state, like elder abuse prevention, opioid addiction, and...