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State Representative Tom Hackbarth
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-2439
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Email update
Dayton still pushing tax increases
Dayton Still Pushing Tax Increases
State Representative Tom Hackbarth
May 25, 2011
Dear Neighbor,
The governor vetoed our budget bills. Apparently he still wants to increase our taxes so government can spend more money and is willing to force a special session to keep pushing the envelope.
The plan we sent him is a responsible one. It is a $34 billion budget, which fits within our projected revenue for the upcoming biennium.
The governor's proposal outspends our anticipated revenue by $2 billion. He expects taxpayers to help make up the difference so the government can spend more and grow to $36 billion.
We should not be surprised by Dayton’s lack of leadership as governor because it is consistent with his poor track record. This is a guy who gave himself an “F” grade for his performance as a U.S. Senator. Remember when he made the knee-jerk reaction to shut down his Washington office in fear of a terrorist threat while the rest of Congress continued working? Time magazine took note and nicknamed Dayton “The Blunderer.” He also was ranked the second-least popular senator in Washington by the end of his term … and then he did not run for re-election.
It is hard to know what course budget negotiations will take, but the Legislature has absolutely no appetite for tax increases to pay for excessive spending. In fact, legislators from both sides of the aisle have voted down the governor’s budget plan both in committees and on the House floor.
A lot of folks may be disappointed that we are headed to a special session and I am not happy about it, either. We sent the governor a balanced budget and a special session simply was not necessary. I want resolution as much as anybody, but I also will not just throw my hands up and give in to the governor’s plans to tax and spend more than we can afford.
I thank the local folks who have offered me support and continue asking me to do the right thing during this process. I will keep you posted as more information becomes available regarding our special session.
Sincerely,
Tom
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