Wind fall (get it?)

An interesting development today from the St. Paul Legal Ledger ...

School trust lands are nothing new. But legislation during the 2008 session directed that schools actually receive some proceeds from land use directly - a change from previous years when school trust land proceeds were used to offset education costs.

Now, it seems, as taconite and timber sales have dropped in the flagging economy, wind may have become the prized resource. Schools in this area, including St. Peter, have flirted with wind energy for years, but this may be a legitimate way to harness wind for financial gain.

Both political parties believe there are major flaws in the state's education funding system. Too many inequities, too many disparities and too much burden on local tax levies. But long-term solutions will be impossible until there is a little breathing room in the state budget.

For now, such bold moves may help weather the storm.