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State Representative Sheldon Johnson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4201
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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$4.8 BILLION BUDGET DEFICIT WILL REQUIRE SWIFT, RESPONSIBLE ACTION
ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Department of Revenue confirmed today what many have been speculating for months - the recent economic downturn has left the State of Minnesota with a massive $4.8 billion budget shortfall. Minnesota is among 42 states facing serious budget deficits due to drastically lower receipts from sales, income, corporate, and other revenue sources. State lawmakers are required by law to resolve the deficit in the upcoming legislative session.
State Representative Sheldon Johnson (DFL - Saint Paul) expressed his concerns today regarding the budget shortfall and the state’s overall economic condition.
“These are very challenging times," said Rep. Johnson. “We are facing a unique and trying economic crisis that will require state leaders work together responsibly to not only solve the short-term budget deficit, but swiftly rebuild our state’s economy and put Minnesotans back to work for the long-term.”
Recently State Economist Tom Stinson classified the current economic recession as “the worst we’ve seen in 25 years.” Minnesota has lost nearly 30,000 jobs over the last twelve months, and economic experts predict another 77,000 jobs will fall off in 2009. But Rep. Johnson and other state leaders are calling for quick action to put Minnesota’s economy back on track.
“In recent years Minnesota has fallen away from its long tradition of forward-thinking investments in education, workforce development, and infrastructure - all things that made Minnesota an economically competitive, national leader in the past,” Johnson said. “We can’t fix the short term problems Minnesota is facing today without addressing the core issues that put us here in the first place.”
There now seems to be widespread recognition of the need for a comprehensive, bottom-up approach to rebuilding our economy. President-elect Obama met with the nation’s governors earlier this week to discuss a proposal for federal aid to states facing deficits and job losses this year. The federal help could come in the form of infrastructure investments and new revenue for Medicaid. Rep. Johnson is calling for a comprehensive approach to balancing the budget that leaves all options on the table moving forward.
“Minnesotans are hurting right now,” said Rep. Johnson. “That’s why this situation requires immediate action. It’s important we all work together, including the state and federal government, to balance the budget and rebuild our economy with a strategic, responsible approach.”
Rep. Johnson encourages all constituents to contact him throughout the legislative session to relay their concerns and suggestions about the budget deficit and Minnesota’s lagging economy. Johnson can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4201 or by email at rep.sheldon.johnson@house.mn.
News Items
- 2012 SESSION UPDATE - (Posted: 2012-05-01 00:00:00)
- 2012 SESSION UPDATE - (Posted: 2012-04-26 00:00:00)
- 2012 SESSION UPDATE - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
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