Welcome

Dear Neighbor,

Another legislative biennium has come and passed, and I am pleased with the accomplishments and reform that took place over the past two years. Minnesota went from a $6 billion deficit to a $1.2 billion surplus—all without raising taxes. Reigning in state government spending and working to make Minnesota welcoming to both employees and employers has been key to economic recovery.

However, there is still more to be done to get Minnesotans back to work and that is why I look forward to running in the 2012 election. I hope to continue serving in the new District 39A. I believe the state needs to continue down a fiscally responsible path toward a full economic recovery.

This year I voted for many common sense initiatives including:

• Requiring all voters to show a photo ID to ensure fair and honest elections.
• Beginning to pay back the money the state owes the schools.
• Phasing out business property taxes so businesses can invest in employees and growth.
• Providing incentives to hire veterans—a group with a significantly higher unemployment rate than the general public.
• Reducing the size, cost and reach of government.
• Allowing quality teachers to stay in classrooms by getting rid of the “last in, first out” rule that protects teacher seniority over teacher performance.
• Cutting government red tape and easing the permitting process that stands as an obstacle to private sector growth.

I feel truly blessed and humbled that I have been able to serve my community in St. Paul. I look forward to getting out this summer and fall to visit with constituents and hear what issues are important in my district. I welcome you to share any thoughts, ideas or concerns you have with me.


Sincerely,

Bob Dettmer