Wringing Out Every Last Cent

Podcast Audio: https://commsolutionsmn.libsyn.com/episode-295-wringing-out-every-last-cent

YouTube: https://youtu.be/daSrX9IGkwc

Our fantastic legislature passed a 1% increase in the sales tax this year that just took effect. This pushes Minneapolis’ sales tax up over 9% and St. Paul is almost at 10%! Of course, the DFL wants to claim that this increase is “for the kids”, yet the kids never seem to be any better off. Our taxes keep going up, and it’s getting harder to keep up with the increases. Part of this money is set aside for “affordable housing” and the rest is for transportation. They want to build affordable homes, rental units, and provide rental assistance. It’s part of the $0.50 tax on deliveries and pegs the gas tax to inflation.

As if that wasn’t enough, Golden Valley wants to go over and above that to implement another 1.25% sales tax (along with further bonding) to go toward public buildings because they haven’t saved a single red cent. If the sales tax isn’t approved by voters, Golden Valley says they will find another way to make you pay it. The cost for these projects is $190 million over 30 years, but inflation will push that number. Just for a comparison, Hudson, WI has a 5.5% sales tax. Pretty sweet, huh?

We also discuss the removal of (former) Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy. There’s a lot of ideas going around regarding who should be next. We set the Republicans straight.

Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode, Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy!

Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

Fire Up The Printers

Podcast Audio: https://commsolutionsmn.libsyn.com/episode-203-fire-up-the-printers

YouTube: https://youtu.be/sNCJK3EI-ck

We’ve doled out $5 trillion over the last three relief bills. $5 billion will make its way to Minnesota governments. St Cloud is getting almost $16 million. Over $1 billion is going to Minnesota’s 87 counties. $595 million is earmarked for just metro cities. $420 million is to be divided between Greater MN cities and townships. $420 million has been set aside for state capital projects. $245 million is going directly to Hennepin County. $281 million is going to Minneapolis over and above the amount going to Hennepin County… and we’re just getting started. This money seems to be able to go to just about anything, except for reducing taxes, that is. There is so much money being thrown at each of the 50 states. Where are we coming up with this? We’re printing all of it!

While we have almost no idea how this money will be spent, we have an idea of who is getting what. Businesses, farmers, and minorities are getting a chunk of this money (outside of the $1,400 stimulus checks). Farmers are getting debt relief… but only minority farmers. Will there be any kind of accountability or will it be hidden in cryptic entries on some balance sheet? It is time to make sure that we keep an eye on what they do before it’s come and spent.

Walzy has been doing a bang up job with the whole COVID thing, at least if we listen to Minnesota media. Yet, things seem to be in shambles across the state. Dr. Scott Jensen is the first Republican to jump into the race for the Republicans, and he has been lambasted for his stance on masks, among other things. Once again, the media is carrying the Governor’s water and running cover for him. Surprise, surprise, surprise…

Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode, Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy!

Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

Let’s Do It For The Kids

Podcast Audio: https://commsolutionsmn.libsyn.com/episode-192-lets-do-it-for-the-kids

YouTube: https://youtu.be/S-pYqxKmRYs

Our schools have been shut down for almost a year. We’ve all got our opinions, but what is the reality? How is this affecting our kids? Are they learning? Are they excelling? Reports would say no. They are missing the structure and boundaries that help them to be successful in learning. They aren’t building the social skills that they need in order to take part in a civil society. Our children are losing out big time on vital skills that set them up for life. In fact, in St. Paul Public Schools there’s a ton of students getting a “legitimate zero”.

Our children are also struggling mentally. Suicide rates are way up among school age kids during the pandemic. Why would a government that doesn’t care about killing babies really care if students are dying? This disease has a 99%-plus survival rate, and most of our young don’t even get it. Yet, they are getting depressed because they don’t have an opportunity to socialize or participate in sports, music, and clubs. The cure is way worse than the disease.

How can we get our kids out of this harmful situation and into something that is helpful for them? We look into some possible solutions to help give kids options. We need to look into wrestling our kids away from the teacher’s union and (by proxy) the public schools. The teacher’s union, however, will never let our children go that easily. The use of private schools, online learning, homeschool, co-ops, pods, and apprenticeships. There needs to be some destructive innovation, free market choices, and real competition in curriculum. Kids need to have the ability to socialize. Let’s hear your ideas!

We also have a little update on the possibility that the Governor will lose his emergency powers when the new Minnesota legislature convenes in January. Some of the DFL’ers that have been voting against renewing his powers have been speaking, but there’s still not a definitive word on what will happen. Some of these outstate House members are getting a lot of pressure from their constituents. We can only hope that it is enough to push them over the edge, as the pressure from the Democrat whip is probably pretty heavy too. Time will tell if we will ever be free again. In addition, we take a look at a report that projects which states might lose or add electoral seats after the census data shakes out.

Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode, Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy!

Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

The Shutdowns Are Back

Podcast Audio: https://commsolutionsmn.libsyn.com/episode-186-the-shutdowns-are-back-1

YouTube: https://youtu.be/2VOOwFYIao8

Well, this week our esteemed Governor Walz decided to shut a number of Minnesota businesses down again. We predicted there would be an uptick with accompanied shut downs again, once it got cold. Here we are, yet the state of Minnesota is caught unprepared again.

He has shut down indoor dining at bars and restaurants (and any entertainment in them), sports, and put sever limitations on private gatherings, significant life events, and churches. Executive Order 20-96 (yes, there have now been over 96 Executive Orders just this year) states that Attorney General Keith Ellison, county attorneys, and even city attorneys can prosecute any infractions… but that’s not all! In addition to actually breaking the order, you can be prosecuted for threatening to break the order! What? That’s a clear first amendment violation. Who is going to stand for the rule of law and save us from these autocrats?

The worry is that all of this is planned and preparing us for the Great Reset by tanking our economy. The Biden slogan “Build Back Better” is part of a global movement that other world leaders have been using for quite a while now. This is a shell game and more and more people are catching on. The time to stand is now, before we lose more of our homes, restaurants, and businesses.

Also, two “former” DFL senators, Tom Bakk (Cook) and Dave Tomasssoni (Chisolm), have formally left the Democrat party. We all know that they are not moderates, so what’s the deal? Why are the Republicans going to put them in charge of major committees? Becoming an independent in an area that is quickly turning red makes them think that they can hide and stay in office.

Also, Minneapolis will invest $1.2 Million into minority owned businesses for rebuilding after the riots and for environmental justice.

Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode, Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy!

Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

Open Sesame

Governor Walz has finally succumb to the pressure and vowed to open things up. Did he really open things up or just give the impression that he was opening them? Churches are allowed to have up to 10 people per service, no matter the size of the sanctuary (or if it’s inside or outside). It takes 10 people or more just to run a service! (Note: since the recording of this podcast, the Governor has backed off and allowed 25% attendance). Restaurants and bars are allowed to open with heavy stipulations on June 1st. Hospitality MN was lead to believe that there would be indoor dining available, but now only those with outdoor seating are allowed. These places have already been training staff, preparing their establishment, and ordering inventory. Barbers and salons can operate at 25%. Right now there are more questions than answers. This is either a miserable failure or coordinated confusion to keep things from opening.

How is this considered reopening? How can a business generate enough profit to stay afloat? This is a no plan/plan. This is meant to placate the masses, while local businesses still have to fear closing their doors. Unemployment is at the highest rate in Minnesota since 1983. We must continue to make noise and put pressure on the Governor to get out of the way of business. We have lost many businesses forever already, and there will be more casualties if the government foot isn’t taken off their throat. In fact, some fear that up to 50% of Minnesota restaurants could close permanently by the time this is all over.

Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy!

Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

Podcast audio: https://commsolutionsmn.libsyn.com/episode-162-open-sesame

YouTube: https://youtu.be/Cr0G1jeHw9c

It’s Over!?!

Hallelujah! The lockdown is finally ending! We have been waiting for weeks. First, we needed to flatten the curve and find more hospital beds. We did that, but it didn’t end anything. Then testing was promised and it didn’t happen. Protecting the vulnerable was promised weeks too late, and it still hasn’t happened. We’ve had plenty of quarantining the healthy. We’ve been told no non-essential businesses are to be open. Churches can’t practice their faith per the first amendment. Only essential travel was allowed and people are getting sick and tired of their imprisonment.

All indications were that the governor was going to extend the stay at home order into June. Twenty-four hours later the internet was abuzz with rumors that he was going to lift it. What changed in 24 hours? It sure wasn’t science.Let me tell you folks, it was purely political pressure. People are angry. Entrepreneurs are told that they can’t open their businesses, unless you are the friend of the Governor with a candy store or a big box store. Graduation parties were outlawed. Schools may not reopen in the fall. Camping is not allowed. Churches were restricted from doing most of their work. There is a list of restrictions a mile long and it’s as arbitrary as can be.

There is a growing list of businesses that were ready to open regardless of what the Governor says. The Catholic church was set to start masses again at a 30% capacity. People just started living again. There are lawsuits and protests against Governor Walz. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that it was not constitutional for Governor Evers to continue his lockdown. Police departments, sheriffs, counties, and cities are refusing to enforce the Governor’s orders. The governor had no choice but to back down and change course overnight. The handwriting is on the wall.

Is it really all over? Will he back off and let things happen? Retail stores will be open so long as they have a safety plan in place. Many other businesses (restaurants, bars, salons, etc) will still have to sit on the sidelines and wait for approval to earn a living. Churches can have services of 10 people (which is about the size of the staff needed to run a Sunday). Personal gatherings of 10 or fewer people are allowed. Summer camps, grad parties, sports… it’s still all up in the air. And then there’s always what happens if there is an uptick in cases again. No, we’re not yet out of the woods. Do not go back to sleep!

We also answer a listener question and pull back the curtain a little to explain some of the magic that makes the Community Solutions podcast work. Are we scripted? Do we rehearse? How much research do we actually do? How do we come up with our material for each episode? We spill the beans this week! Keep your questions coming!

Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy!

Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

Podcast audio: https://commsolutionsmn.libsyn.com/episode-161-its-over-0

YouTube: https://youtu.be/-IlK0834Us0

Fighting The World

Governor Walz is continuing his ridiculous shutdown order, and fiddling while Rome burns. There appears to be no science to what is locked down and why. You can buy things at multi-billion dollar Target corp, but can’t buy those same things at a small business. We are being tracked and traced on our cell phones to see if we’re social distancing (we’re not). People are not being allowed to have graduation parties at their own homes.

Did you know that the Minnesota constitution allows for the Governor to run a perpetual state of emergency if the legislature doesn’t specifically vote to stop it? Why haven’t we fixed this? We are stuck in this lockdown until Walz decides to end it.

The good news is that people (and local governments) are starting to fight back. They are taking their lives back from the stranglehold that is this Stay at Home order. Barber, Milan Dennie, in St. Paul opened up his shop with precautions in place, becaue he couldn’t afford to stay closed anymore. He was raided by the local police and could be fined up to $25,000. He’s not the only person opening and preparing to open back up. It is time that more people resist. The city of Lakefield, MN passed a resolution to not use any city resources to enforce Governor Walz’s executive orders. Roseau passed a resolution to ask the governnor to allow businesses to open. McLeod County also unanimously passed their own resolution to ask for an end to the order. Some Metro churches and small business have also filed a lawsuit to reopen business.

We also give you our analysis on the Joe Biden/Tara Ried situation. The media (as usual) is ignoring anything that goes against their slant and it’s destoying the people’s faith in being able to find truth anywhere. Big Tech is supressing information they don’t like. Where do we go when the fix is in?

Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy!

Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

Podcast audio: http://commsolutionsmn.libsyn.com/episode-160-fighting-the-world

YouTube: https://youtu.be/9UsNJXTnAso

When The Rubber Hits The Road

Andrew is back in the secret bunker this week and we spill the beans on his absence. Pause the podcast and enter your guess before we tell you!

There are going to be a number of impacts the city, county, and school governments because of the downturn in the economy. Tax collections in this state were $62 million short this year. The revenue collected from the state gas tax is going to come in way below normal as well. Government is still having to shell out for salaries, benefits, and pensions. Many non-essential municipal employees aren’t getting furloughed. Schools are shut down for the rest of the year and may not reopen in the fall. That’s a huge impact on parents. How will these entities make up the difference? Cities may turn to hidden taxes like assessments, fees, bonds, and the like to make up the difference. They may beg for Federal help. Are there any solutions? Yes, but it may hurt a little to set us upon good footing and eliminate all of this debt we’ve wracked up.

We also discuss Governor Walz’s most recent press conference. He’s got great news!!! Is it a reopening of the economy? Are we free to exercise our religion again? No!!! We’ve got a plan to test more people! Now we’re cooking with gas!

Have you checked out our Spotify playlist? At the beginning of each episode Jason quotes some song lyrics that have to do with the subject matter of the podcast. Andrew never knows what they are, but now he can… and so can you! We’ve launched the Spotify playlist: “Community Solutions Music From the Podcast!” You can listen to Roundabout from Yes after listing to Episode 30 on Roundabouts… or kick back and enjoy a rocking playlist just for the thrill of it. We add a new song every week. Subscribe and enjoy!

Don’t forget that you can also subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify!

Podcast audio: http://commsolutionsmn.libsyn.com/episode-158-when-the-rubber-hits-the-road-0

YouTube: https://youtu.be/qyZChDf7h0g