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State Representative Tom Hackbarth
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-2439
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2008
By Tom Hackbarth
State Representative
It’s hard to believe the month of January has already come and gone. With the new year comes another legislative session. The legislature is set to reconvene on February 12. My colleagues and I will have a lot on our plates when we get back to St. Paul. It looks like it will be a non-stop session.
One of the main topics of discussion will be transportation. With the collapse of the 35W Bridge and the constant news stories about the states roads and bridges we will likely see some type of transportation plan. Sadly, that plan will likely not be different then the one we saw last year. The plan will likely have some sort of license tab increase, gas tax increase, wheelage tax, and an added sales tax.
What we need is to come up with a solution to make transportation a priority. This year will be a bonding bill. The bonding bill is traditionally used for long-term state investments. Roads and bridges are just that. It makes sense to use the bonding bill to invest in our infrastructure. We should not be using the bonding bill to fund pork projects like hockey rinks, welcome centers and other earmarks.
The state is also facing a $373 million deficit. This news had the Democrats clamoring to raise taxes as soon as they get to St. Paul. Last year they proposed $5 billion of tax increases when we had a $2 billion surplus. I can only imagine how much they will propose in new taxes when we’re facing a deficit. Hang on to your wallets folks, because the DFL will want to take it for a ride.
We need to reign in out of control government spending. We need to tighten the belt and live like all Minnesotans do: on a budget. Rest assured friends, I will be fighting to prevent the Democrats from reaching further into your wallets. House Republicans stand united to keep government spending under control.
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