Bob Collins
Say what you want about the Minnesota Legislature, but it’s a fine example of the difference between state lawmakers and those who work in Washington.
The U.S. House of Representatives “debated” the recently-reached budget deal, but there was no give-and-take because there were virtually no congresspeople there to hear it, as this screenshot from C-SPAN shows just as the vote started this afternoon,
In Minnesota, meanwhile, it was a full boat at the Senate when it voted in favor of lifting restrictions on siting coal-burning power plants today (roll call here).
There’s little indication having to be present and listen to people with whom the senators may disagree has any impact on one’s positions, but at least they had the opportunity to hear all of the debate.
