The Speaker of Minnesota's House of Representatives, Margaret Anderson Kelliher, said of the state's $5.2 billion deficit that "We need the best and the brightest thinkers. People need to run to the Capitol and bring their best ideas."

Well, I have an idea. It's not a new idea, although it is fresh enough to still be a boon for some businesses, a draw for visitors, and a source of increased revenue through existing sales taxes and license fees. That's right. This idea does not increase taxes or create new ones. Rather, it creates opportunities that can help our economy in the short-term and perhaps, in the long-term, attract more of "the best and the brightest thinkers" that Speaker Kelliher says the state needs.

This idea has experienced its greatest success on the east coast where one state expects to add $111 million to its economy, with $5 million being returned to state coffers. A second, smaller, eastern state that has just endorsed this idea is anticipating a three to $13 million bump to its economy between now and 2011. A much larger western state was on track to realize a $684 million economic windfall over three years, with over $70 million going to the state, before voters in the recent election stalled the idea.

The idea that has added revenue in Massachusetts, Connecticut and, until recently, California, is legalized same sex marriage. Although same sex marriage in Minnesota would not impact our economy at the level it was expected to in California, it certainly would exceed Connecticut's projections and could rival what Massachusetts is experiencing.

Legalizing same sex marriage in Minnesota would not only result in hundreds of Minnesotan lesbian and gay couples investing in weddings, it would draw similar couples from around the nation, and especially from those living in neighboring states of Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas. Same sex marriage would increase revenues the state realizes from marriage licenses. It would create business for caterers, restaurants, and hotels, as well as the floral and (the heavily-taxed) liquor industries. Gay and lesbian couples could be encouraged to register for gifts at hometown retailers like Best Buy and Target – adding to their profits as well.

As an added value, Minnesota would be seen as a welcoming state for everyone. Minnesotans who have contemplated relocating to a more progressive state, just might stay here. Those who travel to Minnesota for a wedding might just return to the state for an education or a job, and thereby add to the productivity and innovation that the state needs today and in the future.

We need to reduce our state deficit. We need to create jobs. We need to encourage the "best and the brightest thinkers" to stay and relocate here. Legalizing same sex marriage in Minnesota makes sense. And it will make dollars and cents for the state.