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State Representative Lyndon Carlson Sr.
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4255
For more information contact: Jessica Nyman 651-296-8877
Press/News Releases
GOP Introduction of the “First Things First” Amendment Misguided
Saint Paul, Minnesota – With the announcement of the “First Things First" constitutional amendment this morning, State Representative Lyndon Carlson, DFL Lead on the Ways and Means Committee, voiced his concern regarding the timing of the proposal.
“The amendment introduced by Republicans this morning was surprising,” said Rep. Carlson. “Looking back at history, their budget proposals have not reflected the fiscal policy found in this amendment. If you ask me, this amendment appears to be a bit hypocritical.”
If passed, the “First things First” Constitutional amendment would limit state spending to 98 percent of available revenues, with remaining funds going to budget reserves. An unexpected move by the GOP given that since the 2003 legislative session, budgets proposed by neither former Governor Tim Pawlenty nor Republican leadership has fit within the guidelines of the proposed amendment.
Introduction of this amendment comes at a time when there is little clarity as to the status of a budget compromise between House and Senate Republicans and ultimately with Governor Dayton.
“We have twenty days left until the end of session,” said Rep. Carlson. “With GOP budgets still out of balance by more than $1 billion with a projected $3.5 billion deficit in years 2014-2015, perhaps they should be focusing their fiscal sights on completing a budget that is in the best interest of Minnesotans and our state’s economic future.”
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