Two Visions For The Future Of Minnesota - 04/07/11

As the process continues to balance the budget, it has become clear to me that there are two visions for the future of Minnesota. Governor Dayton has made his position clear, and so have we. We stand by Minnesota families as we work to have government live within its means. Just as families gather around the kitchen table to set clear budget priorities and only spend what they have, government must do the same. Uncontrolled spending is unsustainable and more importantly, crippling to Minnesota’s ability to lead the economic recovery.

Governor Dayton has proposed taxes on the everything from income taxes to property taxes. He has suggested job-killing business taxes, increasing the sales tax and even taxing snowbirds! Raising taxes will not build a strong future for Minnesota. There are nearly 200,000 unemployed Minnesotans, and putting these people back to work must be our first priority.

Republicans are committed to balancing the budget without raising taxes. To provide an economic recovery, Minnesota families need to keep their hard earned money. Businesses need to grow and expand to build a prosperous future for our entire state.

Governor Dayton and his allies in the legislature have a different vision. They believe prosperity is built on the backs of Minnesota families with higher taxes, increased regulation and expansive government. Their vision is to have a $2.3 billion job-killing tax increase in order to allow state government to grow by 22%.

As noted in the Wall Street Journal article, "The Price of Taxing the Rich", other states have tried Governor Dayton’s proposal to "tax the rich", and those states have proven what we already know - raising taxes results in businesses and families to leave the state. New York, California, New Jersey, and many other states have seen businesses flee for friendlier tax climates in other states. Minnesota needs to be a place businesses are running to, not away from.

Minnesota can and must do better than what Governor Dayton proposes. Under his plan Minnesota would continue to be ranked at the bottom of the list for business-friendly climates and soar to the top of this list as states with the highest income taxes. I believe in the power of Minnesota and Minnesota families to build a bright future for our community that celebrates ingenuity, innovation and creativity as we come together to lower taxes and have government live within its means.

Throughout this process I welcome your thoughts regarding these legislative matters. I would like to hear your thoughts; you can share them by taking my at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/52Asurvey

As always, thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.
Bob