What Issues Should the Minnesota Legislature Focus on in 2013?

With another legislative session just around the corner, senators and representatives have no shortage of challenges ahead of them.

Lawmakers plan to convene hearings on gun control in the wake of the school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT. They’ll review a recommendation from a governor-appointed task force to increase gas taxes and tab fees in response to a projected $50 billion shortfall in transportation funding. The DFL majority and defeat of the marriage amendment in the 2012 election could even prompt the Legislature to take up the issue of gay marriage.

And looming over everything is a projected $1.1 billion deficit that legislators will have to close before adjourning for the year.

With so many issues on the table, Patch wants to know what issues you think should take priority when the Legislature convenes Jan. 8. Should it be tax reform? Transportation? Education? Social issues? Share your thoughts in the comments below.