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Minnesota House of Representatives

State Representative Denny McNamara

359 State Office BuildingState Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-3135

For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317

Posted: 2011-03-04 00:00:00
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NEWS COLUMN

NEWS AND VIEWS WITH REP. DENNY McNAMARA

Hello from the State Capitol,

Lawmakers received some optimistic news at the State Capitol this week
when we learned that Minnesota’s economic forecast is better than
expected. Our projected $6.2 billion budget deficit was lowered to $5
billion thanks to some better than expected revenue collections within
our state income and sales taxes.

This is good news, and it shows the economy is turning a little bit.
But state economists warned us that while we can be glad things are a
little bit better economically in this state, continued turmoil on the
other side of the world could cause a quick change in this forecast. In
other words, we should be happy things are looking up, but we still need
to be careful moving forward.

We also must not forget the reason we face a projected deficit is due
to out-of-control government spending. The economists noted that our
budget spending can grow by more than eight percent from the current
budget to the next – or from $32 to $33.5 billion – due to the
improved revenue collections. But if we fail to reform government and
curb government spending – which is projected to grow by an astounding
29 percent if left untouched – our deficits will continue.

I think most folks would agree that we need to live within our means,
and that an eight percent growth in state government programs over the
next two years should be sufficient. That’s what I’ll be pushing
for going forward and I believe the Minnesota House will approve a
balanced budget bill by the end of March that stays within this limit.

I hope you’re making plans to attend one of my town meetings on
Saturday! The first event will be held in Hastings at the Green Mill
Restaurant, 909 Vermillion Street, from 10:00 – 11:30 AM. At 12:30
p.m., I will join State Representative John Kriesel for a gathering at
the American Motorsports Bar and Grill, 7240 E. Point Douglas Road #110,
in Cottage Grove.

My session survey is also available, and this year’s edition is
online. Please visit www.house.mn/57b and click on “2011 Legislative
Survey” and make your voice heard!

Have a great week,

Denny

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