Becky Lourey Public Events Announced:
Two Memorial Day weekend observances included among her appearances, TV debate
May 21, 2006

Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey will hold several major events over the next 10 days as her campaign schedule gears up following the Legislative Session.

Bud Philbrook and Michele Gran are hosting a house party Wednesday, May 24, 7-9 p.m., at 2634 Keller Pkwy., St. Paul. A former state legislator and former candidate for Governor in 2006, Philbrook has now endorsed Lourey for the office. Gran and Philbrook are co-founders of Global Volunteers, and are heavily involved in peace and children’s issues.

Margaret and Dan Shulman will host a house party Thursday, May 25, 6-7:30 p.m., 2400 Pillsbury Ave., Minneapolis. Joining the Shulmans as co-hosts are state Rep. Karen Clark, Minneapolis City Council member Robert Lilligren, Guy Gambill, Barb Jeanetta, Juan Linares, and Kim and Pete Rhodes.

DFL candidates for Governor will debate on Almanac broadcast live on Twin Cities Public Television KTCA-2, Friday, May 26 at 7 p.m. (please check http://tpt.org/almanac/broadcast.html for other Almanac broadcasts throughout the state).

One year to the week after Becky Lourey lost her son Matt when the Kiowa Warrior helicopter he was piloting was shot down in Iraq, she will share her perspectives as a Gold Star Mother at two Memorial Day weekend programs. Lourey will speak briefly at the Little Falls Memorial Day observance Sunday, May 28, with music at 1:30 p.m. and program at 2 p.m., at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, 15550 Highway 115, located near Camp Ripley.

In addition, Lourey will be one of the keynote speakers at the Proctor Memorial Day service Monday, May 29, 10 a.m., at the Proctor Community Center, 100 Pionk Drive in Proctor. The theme of this year’s observance is “Remember Fallen Family.”

With the goal of achieving peace as the theme, Becky Lourey will host a film showing of the 2004 documentary “Arlington West” exploring in-depth the personal costs of war, Thursday, June 1 at the Riverview Theater, 3800 42nd Ave. S., in Minneapolis. Accompanied by several Minnesotans active in the peace community, the evening’s master of ceremonies will be Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, associate professor of Justice and Peace Studies at the University of Saint Thomas. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.; admission to the film is $10.

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 16 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org

Pulse publisher praises Lourey health care plan
‘The most comprehensive, practical proposal’
May 19, 2006

The Health Care Security Plan offered by candidate for Governor Becky Lourey received strong praise in a critical analysis offered this week by Pulse alternative newspaper publisher Ed Felien.

In the compare-and-contrast piece, Felien stated: “Becky Lourey staked out the high ground early. She has been clear in her support of a single payer system through expansion of MinnesotaCare. This would be a gradual expansion that would create the least disruption and crunch on the State treasury. It would allow Minnesota corporations and small businesses to offer MinnesotaCare to their employees. This is the most comprehensive, practical proposal of any of the candidates.”

“It is very gratifying to receive wholehearted support for my health care plan from Ed Felien and the Pulse newspaper,” Lourey said. “My realistic plan will lower costs and can bring us to universal health care by 2010. As people look closely at my Health Care Security Plan, they invariably conclude that I am very serious about effective health care reform and cost control.”

In his analysis of Sen. Lourey’s health care advocacy this year, Felien commented, “It is difficult to see what else she could have done with an antagonistic Republican governor and a hostile Republican House. There was no hope for any changes in health care reform this session, but there will always be some that won’t be satisfied until our champions have hurled themselves on the barricades and been blasted away by cannon balls.”

Senator Becky Lourey resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 16 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee. Her full Health Care Security Plan is available here.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org.

Veterans Caucus Endorsements for Governor and 2nd Congressional District: Lourey and Rowley
May 13, 2006

On Friday, May 5th, the DFL Veterans Caucus Screening and Endorsement Committee made its decision to endorse Becky Lourey for Governor of Minnesota and Coleen Rowley for U.S. House, 2nd Congressional District.

State Senator Lourey has demonstrated ample knowledge of and concern for the vital interests of veterans, active military personnel, and their families. She has been active as a member of the Senate Agriculture, Veterans Affairs and Gaming Committee in serving those interests. She offers a proven record of veterans advocacy to back up her commitment to continue addressing their needs. And she understands the demands that will be felt by state agencies and resources as numbers of Iraq and Afghanistan vets return home to Minnesota. One member of the Screening and Endorsement Committee, Guy Gambill, who had seen Sen. Lourey at work on veterans' healthcare issues had this to say: “I deal with the 88th [Regional Readiness Command] and 934th [Air Lift Wing] regularly, sit on MACV's [Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans] Board, go weekly to both the VAMC and deal with the MVH almost daily. Haven't seen anyone from the DFL involved with any of these organizations--excepting Becky.”

We don't see how Minnesota veterans could do better than to have a friend like Becky Lourey in the highest position in state government. And we're thrilled to endorse her for that office. To read her responses to the screening questionnaire, go to http://mndflvets.org/candidates/pdfs/becky_lourey_sur.pdf and please visit her campaign website at BeckyLourey.org.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org.

Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey will be appearing throughout May on community cable television shows on the Twin Cities regional network, as well as in the cities of Minneapolis, Burnsville and Eagan.

Lourey will appear on the Judy Corrao Show (http://producers.mtn.org/judycorrao) interviewed by Corrao on Twin Cities Metro Cable Network Channel 6 (MCN-6) and Minneapolis Television Network Channel 16 (MTN-16). The regional MCN-6 show will air at 7:30 p.m. both on Thursday, May 11 and Thursday, May 18. The Minneapolis showings on MTN-16 can be seen at 9 p.m. both on Wednesday, May 17 and Wednesday, May 24. Corrao is a former Minneapolis City Council member. Her public affairs show features a broad array of issues of concern to women and family, public policy, art, film and politics.

Lourey also can be seen on Burnsville/Eagan Community Television (www.bect.tv) Channel 15 this month. She will appear on the Access to Democracy show Wednesday, May 17 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, May 21 at 8 p.m. Other rebroadcasts of the show are likely to be scheduled later. Visit www.bect.tv for an updated schedule of listings.

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 16 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org.

A unique gathering of Minnesota Latino leaders and community supporters - including candidate for Governor Becky Lourey - is set for Tuesday, April 25.

Scheduled for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at El Nuevo de Rodeo nightclub, 2709 E. Lake St. in Minneapolis, the event highlights the growing diversity and changing social, cultural and political dynamics throughout Minnesota.

“We will celebrate the coming together of diverse communities, unified by our common vision for a more-prosperous and culturally enriched state of Minnesota,” Lourey said. “Our state can move forward again by overcoming the politics of fear and division. Throughout our history, Minnesota owes its economic strength and rich heritage to the newcomers who have come here.”

The event is co-hosted by more than 40 leaders from business, non-profit, philanthropy, labor, faith-based and other grassroots community groups. Political candidates and community organizers will make brief presentations throughout the evening. At 6:15 p.m., Danza Cuahtemoc will perform traditional Aztec dancing.

Among political candidates and officeholders participating are District 65B State Rep. Carlos Mariani, Ramsey County Commissioner Rafael Ortega, Fifth District Congressional candidate Jorge Saavedra, and DFL-endorsed Senate District 62 candidate Patricia Torres Ray. Campaign donations for the candidates and officeholders attending the event will be accepted.

Earlier this year Becky Lourey was the first Democratic candidate for Governor to formulate a constructive immigration response to the failing, divisive approach taken by Republicans. With the assistance of immigrants and experts in the field, Sen. Lourey developed the New Minnesotans’ Security and Growth Plan. The Lourey immigration policy is available in English and Spanish by following this link.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org.

Becky Lourey, DFL candidate for Governor, announced today that with approximately one-third of the delegates selected to the DFL state convention, she is leading all other candidates in the delegate race for Governor.

"It is still very early in the delegate race, but I am very pleased with the results so far," Lourey said. "At every convention I attend across the state, DFLers are really enthused and supportive of my candidacy. People are looking for real change. They want to scrap the status quo, and vote for a leader who has conviction to get our state headed back in the right direction. I am that candidate, and delegates are responding."

The Lourey campaign released a spreadsheet identifying the statewide count of delegate preferences showing State Senator Lourey with support from 132 delegates followed by Attorney General Hatch with 130 and State Senator Steve Kelley running third with 86. This count is comprehensive, including Senate districts and county convention units where no subcaucusing took place.

"The most important thing to notice in the delegate count so far," said Lourey campaign spokesperson John Blackshaw, "is Senator Lourey's support is statewide. Not all of the other candidates can claim that fact. And anybody who counts delegates will tell you, candidates without statewide support cannot win a statewide election let alone a convention endorsement."

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 16 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org.

An unusual kind of campaign get-together has been scheduled by DFL candidate for Governor Becky Lourey in Mendota Heights. Celebrating our cultural diversity is the theme of the event, which is scheduled for Sunday, March 19 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the home of Jon Gutzmann and Masami Suga.

(Left to right) Masami Suga, candidate Becky Lourey, Lourey for Governor Development Manager Brenda Bell Brown and Felisha Rhodes hope to attract a crowd to the March 19 event celebrating cultural diversity in Mendota Heights.

Joining Suga as co-hosts of the house party are Felisha Rhodes and Kaying Hang.
Several members of the diverse Lourey family are expected to attend the house party, celebrating in the campaign’s commitment to cultural diversity. This is the first event involving the Lourey family since the November campaign kick-off at the family’s business in Bruno. Gene and Becky Lourey have a multi-ethnic family resulting from the adoption of eight children.

“Every member of our family is deeply committed to bringing cultures together and celebrating the diversity in Minnesota,” Lourey said. “This event is extremely important to us, and we hope to have a good turnout.”

The March 19 house party will be held at the home of Jon Gutzmann and Masami Suga, 614 Sutcliff Circle, Mendota Heights. The event is open to the public. The hosts of the event would appreciate it if you RSVP by email at masamisuga@edinarealty.com, or by phone at 612-599-0900.

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org.

Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey will be visiting four precinct caucus sites in St. Paul and nearby suburbs Tuesday night, March 7. Locations and approximate appearance times are:

* Como Park High School, 740 Rose Ave.W., St. Paul -- 6:30-6:55 p.m. (District 66B);

* Arlington High School, 1495 Rice St., St. Paul -- 7-7:15 p.m. (District 66A);

* Roseville High School, 1240 W. County Road B-2, Roseville -- 7:25-8:10 p.m. (District 54); and

* North St. Paul-Maplewood High School, 2416 E. 11th Ave., North St. Paul -- 8:25-9 p.m. (District 55).

Please contact Press Secretary Jim Robins at 612-597-0214 if you have any questions prior to Tuesday evening. Senator Lourey will be reachable by contacting staff member Kavi Turnbull at 763-350-1576 during her visits to the caucus sites.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org.

The campaign website of Becky Lourey for Governor gained national recognition Tuesday as “Site of the Day” from the widely read nonpartisan U.S. political guide www.Politics1.com.

Designed and maintained by David Krewinghaus of Minneapolis, the Lourey for Governor website is www.beckylourey.org.

“We recognize that the Internet is a key to early campaign success, and we’ve put together a lively and informative site,” Lourey said. “The site changes constantly, so I encourage people to bookmark it, and visit regularly.”

Florida-based www.Politics1.com is operated by Ron Gunzburger. “Some candidates, campaigns and groups truly get the concept of using the Internet as a tool to effectively convey messages, promote increased citizen involvement, enhance voter education, and effectively and innovatively use technology to advance their causes,” Gunzburger stated in the Feb. 28 award announcement. “We created this award to recognize deserving sites from all states, and at all levels of campaigns, ranging across the ideological spectrum.”

Sen. Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota.  She has 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org.

Eighth District Congressman Jim Oberstar announced today (Feb. 23) his endorsement of Becky Lourey in her bid for Governor.

“Becky Lourey personifies personal integrity, commitment to service in the public interest, lives her beliefs, and has the energy and enthusiasm for success,” Oberstar said.
The announcement was made at the city library in Wyoming, Minn. along the Rush Line transportation corridor -- a project Becky Lourey fought for and got funded last year in the Minnesota state bonding bill.

“Her campaign will lift the spirits of the Democratic Party and infuse energy into the transformational campaign ahead. Becky will renew state government and reaffirm Minnesota values in the Governor’s office and state legislature.”
Congressman Oberstar further noted that he has worked together closely with Senator Lourey on public policy, constituent service and federal-state relations for more than 15 years.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive this key endorsement from Congressman Jim Oberstar who not only represents me, but advocates so effectively for Minnesota’s interests,” Lourey said. “Based on our past experiences, I know we will make a great team at the state and federal levels on behalf of every Minnesotan.”

Sen. Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota.  She has 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org.

DFL candidate for Governor Becky Lourey will receive a major endorsement from a Minnesota elected official tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 23) at 1 p.m. The press conference will be held at the Wyoming City Library, 26855 Forest Blvd., Wyoming, Minn.

This endorsement comes at a time when the Becky Lourey for Governor campaign is in the midst of a major Northern Minnesota outreach effort. On the following day, Senator Lourey will hold a Grand Opening event for her new downtown Duluth office on Friday, Feb. 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. The director for the new office is Duluth resident Kerry Gauthier, who also serves as Treasurer of the Minnesota DFL Party. The Becky Lourey for Governor Duluth office is located at Suite 242 Holiday Center, 202 W. Superior St., Duluth, Minn. 55802; telephone 218-722-1652.

Sen. Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota.  She has 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org.

A competition-oriented, business-friendly transformation of the health care system was announced today (Feb. 21) by Minnesota candidate for Governor Becky Lourey.  Designed to move Minnesota to universal health care coverage by 2010, the Lourey Health Care Security Plan already has drawn praise from a major health care advocacy group.

“Today, we are further from universal health care access than we were yesterday, or three years ago when Tim Pawlenty took office,” Lourey said.  “I’m here to change that.  I’m here to bring universal health care coverage to Minnesota.”   

The detailed, 10-point Lourey plan announced at a State Capitol press conference will give Minnesota businesses viable new options to lower their health care premiums and cost-containment strategies.

Although the Minnesota Universal Health Care Coalition advocates primarily for adoption of the single payer approach, the group that praises the Lourey plan for its promise of “genuine relief to small businesses and low-income people.”  Rhoda Gilman of the Coalition was on hand for announcement of the Lourey HealthCare Security Plan.

“It is time to elect a Governor who can look every child, every senior, every family and every business proprietor in the eye, and say, ‘I am doing everything I can as your Governor to change our health care system to meet your needs,’” Lourey said.  “The current Governor cannot say this.  We need a governor who will fight for affordable and accessible universal health care coverage for every individual and every business. We can no longer tolerate a governor who leads by maintaining the status quo or holds press conferences that result in no action.”

After consulting with a policy roundtable of experts and stakeholders, Senator Lourey built the Health Care Security Plan on five key values and principles:

• ACCESS – All Minnesotans deserve access to quality care without regard to income.

• AFFORDABILITY – Prevention, early intervention and cost efficiencies through bulk purchasing and reduced paperwork will rein in costs, making health care more affordable for all stakeholders – individuals, businesses and government.

• QUALITY – An adequate supply of qualified health professionals, facilities and services will guarantee timely access to quality care, bolstered by Minnesota’s leadership in medical research, education and technological innovation.

• CHOICE – Patients will have the choice of their own providers.  Doctors and patients will be empowered to decide on appropriate medical treatments.  Choices in health plans will be expanded, and kept readily available through seamless portability.

• COOPERATION – The system must work for all stakeholders – with families, businesses, medical providers and government having a role in successfully transforming health care in Minnesota.

Major elements of the 10-point Lourey Health Care Security Plan include four elements of a Policy Framework for Change and six specific program reforms.  Details of the Lourey plan can be found in a 16-page policy document and a one-page overview posted here.  

Sen. Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota.  She has 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org.

Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey will release next week her plan for a competition-oriented, business-friendly transformation of the health care system that moves Minnesota to universal health care coverage by 2010. The detailed Lourey plan will give Minnesota businesses viable new options to lower their health care premiums and includes other cost-containment strategies.

The Lourey plan to transform health care will be unveiled Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. in State Capitol Room 125.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org.

Senator Becky Lourey, DFL candidate for Governor, announced today (Feb. 15) a comprehensive immigration plan addressing public safety, economic development and education. Titled the “New Minnesotans Security and Growth Plan,” the plan creates opportunities for success as well as promotes economic growth in Minnesota.

“With this package we offer a vision and hope for the future for our growing immigrant communities and state in sharp contrast to the policies of fear and division offered by Governor Pawlenty. This comprehensive, positive immigration plan will not only help to bring all communities together and enrich our state culturally, but can infuse millions of dollars into the Minnesota economy,” Lourey said.

“We are a state of immigrants. Many of our parents and grandparents came to this country and to Minnesota specifically to achieve the American dream,” Lourey continued. “Our new immigrant families want to do the same. We need to eliminate the barriers for achieving success, not promote policies that divide us and make us less safe.”

The 10-point policy was unveiled at the Lourey Immigration Open Forum Wednesday at the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center on the West Side of St. Paul. The forum was moderated by Jorge Saavedra F., attorney and policy consultant. An audience question and answer period followed the Lourey interview.

Features of the policy include:
• Supporting and upholding all current and future Police/Immigration separation agreements.
• Establishing a Minnesota Office of Immigrant Affairs and a Joint Legislative Immigrant Refugee Policy Task Force.
• Establishing a Minnesota Trade Office in Mexico to foster greater trade opportunities between Minnesota and Mexico.
• State recognition of the Matricula Consular for procuring driver’s licenses, library cards and other documents.
• Signing the Dream Act into law providing in-state higher education tuition rates to all immigrants who attended public schools in Minnesota; and
• Removing the five-year cap on teaching of English as a Second Language in Minnesota public schools.

Noting the importance of establishing a trade office in Mexico, Lourey said, “Wisconsin has operated a trade office in Mexico for several years, fostering $946 million in state exports. That’s nearly double the Minnesota to Mexico exports in 2004.

“Just think of the jobs we could bring to Minnesota if we added $450 million in trade with our neighbors in Mexico,” Lourey said. “Stronger economic ties and a better cultural understanding can move Minnesota forward rather than hold us back. Generations of immigration have always strengthened Minnesota in the past, and I see no rational purpose to leave that tradition behind.”

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org.

An open forum addressing Minnesota immigration concerns sponsored by candidate for Governor Becky Lourey is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center, 179 Robie St. E., St. Paul. Jorge Saavedra F., attorney and policy consultant, will serve as interviewer and moderator of the forum.

All ethnic groups are encouraged to participate in the immigration open forum. Sen. Lourey will be interviewed by Mr. Saavedra, contrasting her immigration views and proposals with those of Governor Pawlenty. After the interview, anyone interested in immigration issues is invited to comment and ask questions at the forum.

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

For further information, please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins
at 612.597.0214 (cell) or 651.917.8400 or email James@beckylourey.org.

Candidate for Governor Becky Lourey announced today she is holding an open forum on Minnesota immigration concerns on Wednesday, Feb. 15 to be held on the West Side of St. Paul.

The open forum will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center, 179 Robie St. E. Jorge Saavedra F., attorney and policy consultant, will serve as interviewer and moderator of the forum.

“We have an opportunity to put the spotlight on Minnesota immigration in a positive and constructive way,” Lourey said. “Rather than dividing people based on cultural and immigration status differences, we can formulate strategies to bring people together and harness the greatest potential for families, businesses and entire communities.”

All ethnic groups are encouraged to participate in the immigration open forum. For more information regarding the forum, please call the Becky Lourey for Governor campaign at 651-917-8400 or toll-free at 877-217-8400, or visit www.beckylourey.org.

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

For further information:
Please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins at 612/597-0214.

DFL candidate for Governor Becky Lourey today (Jan. 31) released her 2005 year-end financial report indicating $63,174 raised in the less than seven weeks since Nov. 15 when she announced her campaign. Lourey also announced campaign expenditures of $54,171 and a campaign balance of $9,003 on hand as of Dec. 31, 2005.

“We are extremely pleased with our initial performance. We’ve raised funds of nearly $10,000 a week since the day I announced even though we were competing with the entire holiday season when political donations traditionally are slow,” Lourey said. “And to date in 2006 our fundraising continues at a very good rate. The response from people has been exciting. People really believe in me and my candidacy.”

Sen. Lourey announced her bid for Governor on Nov. 15, 2005, and is challenging three other candidates in the DFL primary campaign office and establishing a support network.

“Fundraising is only one of the keys to our campaign success,” Lourey said. “We have a very strong network of volunteers, an experienced staff, and we’re building a far-reaching field operation that will make the difference at the DFL convention, and when we face the voters in September and November.”

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

For further information:
Please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins at 612/597-0214.

DFL candidate for Governor Becky Lourey today (Thursday) called for improved emergency preparedness and rapid completion of the state public safety radio system. Lourey was responding to the immediate threat to the United States presented by Osama bin Laden in his audiotape release.

“Although the threat was not specific to Minnesota, we must examine our state’s ability to respond in a crisis situation,” Lourey said.

“When it comes to hospital emergency rooms, protecting our water supply and safeguarding our nuclear plants, our state is long overdue in examining our emergency response preparedness plans,” Lourey said. In 2006, as chair of the Senate Health Committee, Lourey authored the All Hazards Emergency Response Act and updated Isolation and Quarantine Authority powers that could be used to respond to biological attack or pandemic.

“We not only need to review our plans, but we should be conducting emergency response simulations so that we can react quickly and effectively to a terrorist attack or other mass emergency.” Lourey said.

“Our most glaring shortcoming in Minnesota emergency response is the lack of a statewide public safety system,” Lourey said. Many rural areas waiting for a modern communications system to connect emergency responders. “Our international border and many other rural areas remain vulnerable as a result. Gov. Pawlenty should use his White House connections to help us complete this vital public safety radio system.”

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, has 15 years of legislative experience and resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota.

For further information:
Please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins at 612/597-0214.

DFL candidate for Governor Becky Lourey today sharply criticized the Pawlenty administration’s offer to state workers for only half of the compensation lost due to the state government shutdown in July 2005. An estimated 9,000 workers lost pay due to the impasse, but a far greater number of state employees lost vacation time.

“The inability of the governor and legislators to reach agreement was to blame, so docking 50 percent of the pay for workers who had nothing to do with the impasse is terribly unfair,” Lourey said. “Ultimately, this decision will cost the state more than the dollars saved now because workers are frustrated with this result and will carry their resentment into the next round of negotiations.”

Lourey also expressed concern about the precedence set by an offer that reduces state payroll costs. “What prevents Tim Pawlenty from claiming that his decision to force a shutdown lowered the cost of state pay, so we have even less of an incentive to get our negotiations job done on time?” Lourey said. “As a state, we cannot reach our goals by constantly relying on brinkmanship. The tone will change when I reach office.”

Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

For further information:
Please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins at 612/597-0214.

DFL candidate for Governor Becky Lourey has announced today the hiring of several high-profile campaign staffers. Among the staff hired are Campaign Manager Joseph Barisonzi, strategist and consultant John Blackshaw, Field Director Elizabeth Dickinson, Fundraising Director Aileen Seoane and Political Director Eric Mitchell.

“We have assembled a blue-chip staff of dedicated professionals who bring a diverse range of talents to this effort,” Lourey said. “Our campaign staff is drawn from a broad array of constituencies and includes strong statewide geographic representation. We are especially encouraged by the tremendous grassroots volunteer base we have established so early in our campaign.”

Joseph Barisonzi, CEO of Strategic Growth Initiatives, has extensive experience in social-entrepreneurial business development and community organizing. Barizonsi campaign experience includes national, state and local campaigns. Former Director of the award-winning Lyndale Neighborhood Association, Barisonzi was named the top Community Leader Under 30 in 1997 and accepted the 1998 NUSA Neighborhood of the Year on behalf of his organization.

John Blackshaw, CEO of Williams Blackshaw Group, was campaign manager for Paul Wellstone’s successful 1990 U.S. Senate campaign bid, and served as the original Chief of Staff for Wellstone in the Senate. Active on numerous local and national nonprofit boards, Blackshaw most recently served as campaign manager for Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak’s successful re-election bid.

Elizabeth Dickinson is a community activist, former Community Affairs Manager/Lobbyist for the Minnesota AIDS Project, former co-chair of the St. Paul Green Party, a board member of Clean Water Action, and was recently named a “Changemaker of the Year” by the Minnesota Women’s Press. She holds memberships in three performing arts unions.

Aileen Seoane brings experience most recently as Grants Administrator and Communications Manager for the Latino Economic Development Center and she previously was Program Coordinator for the Neighborhood Development Center in St. Paul. Her volunteer activities include currently serving on the El Fondo de Nuestra Comunidad of the Saint Paul Foundation and she has managed a successful DFL legislative campaign.

Eric Mitchell, who was the first Director of Outreach for the Minnesota DFL Party, has been active in numerous political campaigns and minority participation efforts involving African Americans, Latinos, Somalis and Hmong, among others. In 2004, he was Base Vote Director and Deputy Political Director for the successful Kerry-Edwards campaign in Pennsylvania.

On the national level, the Lourey campaign has been working closely with renowned pollster Celinda Lake and consultant David Browne, both based in Washington, D.C.
Senator Becky Lourey, a nationally recognized health care public policy expert, resides in Kerrick in east-central Minnesota. She has 15 years of legislative experience and currently serves as chair of the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee.

For further information:
Please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins at 612/597-0214.

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To the Editor:

Minnesota faces a new fiscal challenge due to the court ruling striking down the Governor’s 75-cent per pack cigarette “fee.” The probable loss of an estimated $400 million erodes a huge share of the state’s projected budget balance.

Rather than fight, let’s switch to a practical option. We can easily make the health impact fee (HIF) law clear, straight-forward and constitutional simply by rewriting it. On Sept. 13, I publicly urged rewriting the law rather than fight a potentially losing court battle, and clearly now this is the only fiscally responsible approach. The alternative will waste more tax dollars fighting over legal jargon, and put the budget at risk again.

Calling the 75-cent charge a “fee” is confusing, and claiming these new dollars went only to mitigating health costs from smoking fails to square with the facts. Based on the budget agreement, only $1 out of every $4 raised by the “fee” is going to health care. So, let’s eliminate the word gimmicks.

Gov. Pawlenty failed in his attempt to use a smokescreen to raise revenue. Now we need a sensible, permanent, fiscally prudent solution. I look forward to working with the Governor to solve this budget problem responsibly, not with gimmicks or more fees.

Sen. Becky Lourey chairs the Senate Health and Family Security Committee and participated on the conference committee/working group that reviewed Gov. Pawlenty’s health impact fee proposal. She is a DFL candidate for Governor.

For further information:
Please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins at 612/597-0214.

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by Becky Lourey

Has Minnesota overcome its financial challenges and returned to its prior status as a national economic beacon?

The finer details in the November economic forecast clearly show otherwise.
Any backslaps of praise for a long-awaited surplus are misplaced. Nearly every state across the country is showing unexpected economic gains resulting in sizeable budget surpluses, so Minnesota’s situation is not surprising. Our state budget is no different than a negligent family who fails to get their winter jackets, pay for school supplies or fix the leaking roof -- despite maxing out the credit card. Now we have a paycheck that gives us an opportunity to begin setting our family finances straight.

Set aside discussions of using the surplus for new rebates or stadiums and let’s focus attention on our top three priorities: fixing the gimmicks, repaying our neglected debts, and catching up on our infrastructure investments.

The state gimmicks simply pushed higher costs onto schools and local governments, forcing families to pay higher property taxes and fees, and making tuition unaffordable for college students. We can start repaying our debt by restoring access to health care and child care, and returning our schools to reasonable class sizes. We can begin catching up on our infrastructure needs with smart investments in transportation, transit, energy conservation and protecting the environment.

Strong evidence that we haven’t invested properly already is showing up in our state’s poor economic performance. Since recovery from recession began in early 2003, the economic rebound in Minnesota has lagged 17 percent behind the rest of the nation, according to the November forecast. Our state has lost 11.7 percent of its manufacturing workforce since 2001. The forecast anticipates that Minnesota will continue to trail the nation in personal income and job growth. Looking forward through fiscal year 2007, the forecast also expects sluggish state job growth -- 36 percent slower than the national rate.

Rather than trail the nation in economic growth, we should lead it. With a clear vision for a better Minnesota through smart investments in a competitive economy, I believe we can buck the trend. Our state has been a national leader in the past because of the strategic investments we previously made in education, health care, energy and transportation. After we put our fiscal house in order, Minnesota should set its sights higher once again to achieve prosperity for all of our citizens.

State Senator Becky Lourey of Kerrick chairs the Minnesota Senate Health and Family Security Committee. She is a DFL candidate for Governor in 2006.

For further information:
Please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins at 612/597-0214.

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Becky Lourey, DFL state senator from Kerrick, announced Tuesday she is a candidate for Governor of Minnesota in 2006. The campaign kick off came in Bruno where her family business, Nemadji Research Corp., develops specialized software. Due to forecasted weather conditions, a State Capitol news conference in St. Paul was scheduled later in the day.

“We know Minnesota can do better, and I feel strongly that it is my duty to work with all the citizens of this state to make Minnesota more competitive again.” Lourey said. She offered a vision for a Minnesota where every family has a living wage job in a safe community, with excellent education -- not only in K-12 schools -- but early childhood and affordable post-secondary options, as well as quality, affordable health care for all.
Lourey outlined sharply contrasting public policy views and style differences with incumbent Tim Pawlenty.

“As Governor, I will bring Minnesota back to a high rank in education investments, not 46th in the nation,” Lourey said. “Our nationally admired state partnership with local government is dissolving, replaced by crumbling streets and sky-high property taxes. Our Governor’s idea of shared sacrifice is a pledge to cut taxes for his wealthiest friends while the rest of us are paying higher taxes and so-called fees.”
As a small business owner and 15-year lawmaker specializing in health care policy, Lourey said, as Governor, she will seek more efficient health care delivery with the goal of universal coverage.

“I know the struggles facing so many employers due to skyrocketing health care
costs. For so many small businesses around this state, offering good health care to workers is an impossible task because the costs are rising so fast, and so far the state has failed to respond to the problem,” Lourey said. “Our small businesses are looking for state leadership as the affordability of health care coverage keeps slipping away.”
Lourey stressed that making smart investments ultimately pays off in a competitive, prosperous economy for Minnesota. “We are falling short on our goals for a 21st century competitive economy in Minnesota and our workforce is not fully prepared to compete effectively,” Lourey said. “To compete globally, we must make smarter investments in a failing infrastructure, encourage technological innovation and open up higher education opportunities.”

Touting her energy and enthusiasm, Lourey said she expects to run a strong grassroots campaign based on policy differences. “A sharp contrast between the candidates will help voters recognize that Minnesotans simply will not accept more of the same bankrupt policies coming out of Washington and St. Paul.”

Lourey is a Gold Star mother who in May lost her son, Matthew, while he was piloting a U.S. Army helicopter on mission in Iraq. “We all know that our Minnesota Guard was always intended primarily for in-state activities, but that is no longer the case,” Lourey said. “In my administration, we will work to bring our state Guard home to their families and communities where they belong.”

For further information:
Please contact Lourey for Governor press secretary Jim Robins at 612/597-0214.

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