2.Senator Julianne Ortman-2009 Legislative Update
Committees: Tax Committee, Judiciary Committee, Transportation Policy and Budget Division
Cities of: Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska, Cologne, Hamburg, Mayer, New Germany, Norwood-Young America,
Victoria, Waconia, Watertown
Townships of: Benton, Camden, Chaska, Dahlgren, Hancock, Hollywood, Jackson, Laketown, Louisville
S1. Lawrence, San Francisco, Watertown, Young America
RECEIVED
DEe 2 2008
CITY OF CHANHASSEN
JULIANNE ORTMAN
Senator, District 34
21 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
SLPaul, MN 55155-1206
Phone: (651) 296-4837
Fax: (651) 296-4239
E-Mail: sen.julianne.ortman@senate.mn
Greetings Dear Friend,
Two Thousand and Eight has beena challenging year for our State and Nation. We have endured a difficult campaign
season, with increasing negativity, endless numbers of ads, and a growing disconnect between the voters and the
officials that represent us in Government. Yet I am thankful for the success of our election process, the clear message
-that no-citizen-should be discouraged-from voting,-and-that-everyvote'e{)Wlts.-~~.~.~c.,,-~~~~-,--.~_.--~.._.~
In Two Thousand and Eight, gas prices hit all-time highs but also surprising lows; we saw dramatic declines in stock
markets, embarked on a federal financial bailout program, and suffer fro~ alarming unemployment rates and shocking
numbers of foreclosures. Yet I am so thankful for the strength of our American spirit; we will correct. our own course
through saving and wise investment (despite what economists say~ our recession operates like a "Saving Spree").
In Two Thousand and Eight, our nation is at war, and I am grateful for the men and women who serve ourcountry here
and abroad. Without them our democratic process, our constitutitn, and our personal freedoms would all be at risk.
There are as many challenges ahead in Two Thousand and Nine, as behind us; yet as grim as the economic forecasts
may be, I believe that we are stronger as a nation than meets the eye, because the American people are faithful;
industrious, and principled. It is our quality, and not our wealth, t~at is our greatest resource. And it is ol.lrenduring
Faith that marks us for Greatness, not our latest quarterly statement.
On January 6, 2009 the State legislature will reconvene, and in m~ mind, the most important challenge will be to
reaffirm the sovereignty of the people, and to convince our leader~ that the people, and not the government, will
provide the best answers to the current crisis. I
Not gold but only menl can make
A people great and)strong,
Men who for truth and honor's sake
Stand fast and suffer long.
Bravemen who work while others sleep
Who dare while oth(!rs fly -
They build a nation's pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.
Ralph Waldo Emerson, "A Nation's Strength."
I hope this Thanksgiving brings you and your family many blessings.
With warmest wishes,
~~
Julianne E..Ortman.