Opinion
Dan Sparks: Securing firm financial footing for Austin firefighters
One of my priorities for the 2019 Legislative Session is finishing the work necessary for Austin’s volunteer firefighters ...
Opinion
Sen. Sparks previews 2019 legislative session
Happy New Year, southern Minnesota! I hope you and your loved ones enjoyed some quality time together over ...
Opinion
Dan Sparks: Bipartisan agreements reached on some things
The 2018 legislative session concluded Sunday, May 20. This year, our part-time legislature met in St. Paul for ...
Columnists
Sparks: Thank you for participating in our democracy
Hundreds of bills got introduced, received public hearings, and were narrowed down for robust debate on the floor ...
Columnists
Dan Sparks: Legislature should approve Austin’s capital investment requests
Every year, infrastructure that is collectively owned by Minnesota taxpayers (such as veterans homes and college campuses) experience ...
Columnists
State legislature still talking about taxes
Tax filing season may be over now, but the Legislature is just beginning to discuss federal tax conformity ...
Columnists
Dan Sparks: It’s halftime at the Minnesota Legislature
State lawmakers are wrapping up a one-week Spring recess and will return to the Capitol Monday. The mid-session ...
Columnists
Legislature must improve licensing and registration system
If there’s one thing state lawmakers agree on this year, it’s that the new Minnesota Licensing and Registration ...
Columnists
Minnesota projects $329 million surplus for current bennium
The Minnesota Department of Management and Budget (MMB) is the state agency responsible for coordinating state finances, accounting, ...
Columnists
Sparks: Local capital investment projects are priority for Senator Sparks
Minnesota is a great place to live, work, raise a family, and start a business because we offer ...
Columnists
Sparks: Real ID passes as state session nears its end
The 2017 Legislative Session is days away from wrapping up and the last pieces are coming together. After ...
Dan Sparks
Program cuts loom at Minn. colleges and universities
Minnesota colleges and universities are taking to Twitter, local newspaper editorials and email campaigns to get the word ...
Dan Sparks
Sparks: ‘Our roads and bridges require funding’
Sparks eager to serve on Transportation Conference Committee
Columnists
Ensuring the financial future of Austin firefighters
By Dan Sparks, State Senator, District 27 Pensions are the lifeblood of retirees. A healthy pension fund can ...
Columnists
Help is available for storm damage
When high-speed winds and heavy rain whipped through Minnesota recently, most people were taken aback — both by ...