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Minnesota House of Representatives

State Representative John Lesch

537 State Office BuildingState Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4224

For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873

Posted: 2011-03-02 00:00:00
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District 66A Update - Economic Forecast

In this Issue:

• Economic Forecast
• Where is the Republican budget?
• Watch my Fox 9 Debate on Puppy Mills
• File your taxes for free – take advantage

Economic Forecast

This week we received our latest economic forecast which showed a modest improvement in our budget deficit. Due to increased revenue our deficit shrunk from $6.2 billion to $5 billion. Although the improvement is a good sign, our key tasks this session remain: a record budget deficit and significant unemployment.

Governor Dayton has offered recommendation to his original budget proposal that reflect these changes. Due to slight improvement, Governor Dayton was able to lessen health care cuts by about $200 million. I am particularly encouraged that damaging cuts to child protection services were able to be filled. The Governor also removed an income tax surcharge on wage earners above $500,000 per year. His plan still includes a fourth tier income tax which asks the wealthiest 5% of Minnesotans to pay their fair share to balance the budget.

Where is the Republican Budget?

We are two months into the 2011 session and Republicans have been slow to move on their pledge to focus on the budget and jobs. In fact, the last bill they passed off the House floor actually increased spending by $2 million.

Now that we have the budget forecast its time for Republicans to put forward their all cuts budget. For months, they have told us that government needs to live within its means. Its time they present this to the public so we can examine, compare and contrast with Governor Dayton’s budget.

I am committed to working toward a responsible solution that fairly balances the budget while protecting our economic future.

Click here to read an editorial by the Bemidji Pioneer on this issue. (Link: http://tinyurl.com/47emzb8)

Fox 9 Debate on Puppy Mills

I have authored HF 702, a bill that would stop the inhumane treatment of dogs and cuts in unregulated puppy mills. This issue has been discussed at the State Capitol in recent years but we have not seen a suitable remedy come to fruition.

I debated State Rep. Steve Drazkowski about my bill on Fox 9 news recently. Click here to watch the debate. (Link: http://tinyurl.com/4pw38ln)

Free Tax Preparation and Filing

I wanted to pass on this opportunity you may have to file your federal taxes for free this year.

Taxpayers earning $58,000 or less can visit irs.gov to prepare and e-file federal tax returns through landmark partnership between IRS and tax software providers Since its inception in 2003, IRS Free File has offered low-to-moderate income taxpayers free access to leading commercial tax preparation software. This year, every taxpayer with a 2010 Adjusted Gross Income of $58,000 or less may visit www.IRS.gov/efile to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost.

To begin, taxpayers may visit the IRS website, www.IRS.gov, and click on the “Free File" icon. Users will find a list of Free File Alliance member companies and may either choose the one that fits their needs or utilize the “help me find a company” tool. After selecting a company, taxpayers will be transferred to the company's website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns. Three of the 19 participating software companies also offer services in Spanish.


As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me at rep.john.lesch@house.mn or 651-296-4224.

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