Access To Democracy

Representative Liz Reyer, (DFL, District 51B) is interviewed by guest host Bill Raker. Making her second appearance on ATD, Rep. Reyer explains her service on several House Committees and why her primary focus is on policy issues.

She describes how the committee appointment process works in the House of Representatives. As a member of the Capital Investment Committee, Rep. Reyer discusses her perspectives on needs and priorities for how MN should allocate federal infrastructure funds from the recently approved Build Back Better Bill. She talks about her interests and concerns about the climate crisis and how climate protection issues relate to job creation.

The interview wraps up with Rep. Reyer sharing her insights on how important the roles are of the administrative and support staffs that work with the elected officials.

Carol Giuliani started a unique business six years ago – Senior Companion Travel Services – in which she offers herself as a travel companion to seniors needing accompanying on trips. Some of the trips are because of medical, physical or mental necessity, others are for people desiring vacations but in need of a qualified companion. Carol, an attorney by trade, is also an authorized care-giver, and customizes and makes all arrangements for client trips, which have taken her all over the world.

Prof. Richard Logan and Steve Hunegs continue their wide-ranging dialogue which they began on our show several months ago. Steve Hunegs is the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas. Richard Logan, the son of a Methodist Minister, is an author and retired Professor from the University of Wisconsin, got very close to the Jewish community both in college and by marriage, and has gone on to become President of Minnesota’s Or Emet Humanistic Jewish congregation, and then President of the International Society of Humanistic Judaism.

Paul Fischer, is the President of Legal Professionals at Thomson Reuters, a position which puts him in charge of 1500 attorneys world-wide for the leading legal publisher in the world. Interestingly enough, Fischer’s background is in finances and as a Certified Public Account, including time with Arthur Anderson & Co. He discussed the ambit of his responsibilities with Alan. Thomson Reuters is a longtime sponsor of our program and the Eagan-TV studios are located in the Thomson Reuters building in Eagan, MN, as part of a public-private partnership.

Senator Jim Carlson represents Senate District 51 in Minnesota, and has represented the district since 2006. Now a senior member of the Minnesota Senate, Carlson is running for re-election in 2022. Having appeared on our show many times, he and Alan discussed the legislative session which recently concluded, what it was like to conduct legislative business during the Pandemic, accomplishments of the session, and what Minnesotans have to look forward to in the upcoming session beginning in 2021.