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Et Cetera …

Give them something

The best way to get more of something is to create incentives for suppliers. Minnesota and our area is facing a crisis in the number of available slots for child care. So why not give child care providers, and those who would consider it, more reasons to stay in or get in business?

Providing child care is demanding work. The pay is not good. The paperwork is ridiculous. What might help child care providers? How about fewer regulations? Streamlined reporting requirements. Or even a special tax break just for them?

Lamenting the situation won’t help. Sensible actions will.

No reason for violations

Fairmont police reported last week that three local businesses sold to minors during a police undercover compliance check of all businesses licensed to sell alcohol. The employees who make the sales could face misdemeanor charges while the businesses could face administrative penalties.

Over time, many local businesses have committed this same violation. We believe those involved should always be punished. We hope they learn, move on and do better.

Verifying someone’s ID is a simple task that is part of the job. There is no reason for these violations to occur, other than willful resistance or laziness.

Health costs need cure

The solution may not yet be apparent, but the problem is real. Health care costs in Minnesota and elsewhere are out of control. The state’s next governor and Legislature will have to tackle health care-related issues, including how to fund the state’s commitments. Or, in the alternative, get the state out of the system.

Fundamentally, the issue boils down to this: there is virtually no connection between the prices that patients and insurance companies must pay and the actual costs involved. Or those costs have become inflated beyond reason. And patients, a captive audience, must pay … or suffer.

Senior site may grow

Sherburn City Council this week discussed the possible expansion of senior living site Temperance Lake Ridge and the city’s relationship with that facility. Like the City Council members, we believe this has been a productive teaming.

The city reports that Temperance Lake Ridge is planning an expansion project in the spring. It may include 14 new units. Five to seven new employees may be added.

Our region certainly needs projects like this, and we know Temperance Lake Ridge strives to care diligently for its residents. We wish the facility good luck.

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