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State Representative Kurt Zellers
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5502
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
BALANCING THE BUDGET LIKE FAMILIES
By Kurt Zellers
State Representative
District 32B
The main focus at the Capitol so far this session has centered on the budget deficit. And for good reason; at $5.2 billion it’s one of the largest deficits our state has ever faced. Recently, Governor Pawlenty came out with his plan to solve the deficit. His plan uses the same budgeting process that we all use when we sit at our kitchen table – you don’t spend more than you have and you live within your means.
My commitment to you is to balance the state budget in the very same way. I will not vote to increases taxes or fees on your family budget just so government can spend more. I will work with Governor Pawlenty to make sure our state government lives within its means. The last thing the state needs to do is to balance its budget by raising your taxes and making it harder for you to balance yours.
If you remember the Democrat controlled legislature passed bills the last two years to raise gas taxes, raise your license tab fees and added to the sales tax for a train between Minneapolis and St. Paul. In Hennepin County we already have the highest sales tax in the state, and I will oppose making it any higher. During tough economic times, government needs to keep their hands out of your pocket.
Right now families are struggling to pay the bills. The unemployment rate across our state is nearing 7%. There are more than 200,000 people out of work. Our families are trying to make ends meet. Those without jobs are having an even harder time doing so. We should not be adding to their burden by taking more of their money.
The only plan we have currently, the Governor’s plan, does not take more money out of your pocket. The Leadership in the Democrat controlled House and Senate have not lived up to their duties and provided their plan to balance the budget. In the Legislative process, it’s best when everyone offers their ideas and we can debate them all at once. Sitting in the back criticize the Governor is not leadership and it sure won’t help us move the State forward. Let’s get ALL of the plans on the table now, figure out the best possible solutions for our State and finish session early. It’s the least we can do for the taxpayers who are paying the bill.
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News Items
- Legislative Update (April 20, 2013) - (Posted: Apr 20 2013 2:43PM)
- Zellers Statement on House DFL Budget Framework - (Posted: Mar 19 2013 4:57PM)
- ZELLERS STATEMENT ON FEBRUARY FORECAST - (Posted: Mar 1 2013 6:02PM)
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