January 10, 2002 Dear Friends, This week marks the beginning of the new session for legislators at both the state and federal levels. The challenges our state and nation face are well-documented and require strong leadership at all levels of government. Although Tim Pawlenty insists cuts to local government aid will mean needed reform to local government, the reality of his plan means severe shortages in the areas Minnesotans care most about. ``In many communities, particularly in Greater Minnesota, state aid is anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of city budgets,`` notes House Minority Leader Matt Entenza. In St. Cloud,...