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State Representative Michael Beard
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8872
For more information contact: Jodi Boyne 651-296-0640
NEWS COLUMN
2008 SURVEY RESULTS
A few weeks ago I sent out a pre-session survey. Over 500 of you responded to this admittedly un-scientific survey, but the results are in, and they are rather interesting! I want to thank everyone who took the time to participate by sharing your thoughts on a few of the great issues of the day. Here are the survey results, followed by a column I submitted to a local newspaper regarding inequitable education funding.
1. How should the Legislature fix the $373 million budget deficit? (Note: this is now a $935 million shortfall, and in excess of $1.1 billion for the next biennium!).
Cut spending 70%
Raise taxes 6%
Both 24%
2. Select the one option that best represents your opinion regarding state transportation funding. (This one is a moot point at the moment since the Transit Bill passed and the veto was overridden)
We should increase the gas tax by 5 cents in order to raise additional transportation revenue - 18%
We should increase the gas tax by 7.5 cents, raise vehicle registration fees, raise wheelage taxes, and allow counties - following a referendum - to impose a half-cent sales tax and $20 vehicle excise tax in order to raise additional transportation revenue. - 9%
We should borrow money at low interest rates for transportation needs and pay back the debt over time in order to raise additional transportation revenue - 2%
Transportation already has enough money thanks to last year’s Motor Vehicle Sales Tax dedication. We just need find ways to more wisely spend this funding - 41%
The legislature should reprioritize its $34.5 billion budget and allocate more money to meet transportation’s growing needs - 30%
3. Should Minnesotans be required to prove their identity with a photo ID as a requirement for voting?
Yes 89%
No 11%
4. Do you support a constitutional amendment that adds 3/8 of 1 percent to the sales tax and dedicates the money to conservation, arts and culture?
Yes 25%
No 75%
5. Should government become the sole provider of health care coverage in Minnesota?
Yes 13%
No 87%
6. Do you believe global warming is
A) a natural occurrence? 59%
B) the result of human actions? 41%
Is climate change going to have a negative effect on modern society?
A. Yes 55%
B. No 45%
In spite of the current shortfall, I think the legislature is determined to find some more money for the basic student funding formula, which would provide a modest increase for this coming fiscal year to our local school districts. It still doesn't fix the inequitable balance between our local districts and the ones in the big cities, as I discuss in the column that follows:
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- Reform a Priority in 2012 - (Posted: 2012-01-25 00:00:00)
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