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State Representative Joyce Peppin
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7806
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS RELEASE
REPRESENTATIVE PEPPIN ANNOUNCE 2008 LEGISLATIVE SURVEY RESULTS
St. Paul -- Representative Joyce Peppin (R – Rogers) recently announced her 2008 Legislative Questionnaire Results.
“I take very seriously the responsibility my constituents have bestowed upon me to be their voice in St. Paul,” said Peppin. “I welcome feedback from all district residents, whether by phone, email, letter, or in person.”
Here are the Results:
1. Please rate the following legislative concerns from most to least important. (1= most important, 5= least important.)
A. Economy/job creation 28%
B. Taxes 36%
C. Education 15%
D. Health Care 9%
E. Environment 3%
F. Transportation 4%
G. Other 6%
Rep. Peppin’s thoughts During this time of economic uncertainty the Legislature should work to keep taxes low and to encourage job creators to invest in Minnesota. The goal of the Legislature should be to keep the jobs we already have and encourage more companies to locate to our state to create new jobs.
2. In November, voters will be asked to approve or reject an amendment increasing the sales tax by 3/8ths of one percent with the proceeds dedicated to clean water programs, protection of forest and outdoor habitat and preservation of arts and cultural heritage. What statement best describes your opinion of this amendment?
A. This is a small price to pay to maintain Minnesota’s environmental and arts treasures 24%
B. This is an unnecessary tax increase. Instead, lawmakers should fund these programs from existing tax resources. 66%
C. Don’t know/Need more information 10%
Rep. Peppin’s thoughts Budgeting by Constitution is not a good idea. The Legislature should make the tough choices when it comes to funding.
3. How should the legislature fix the $935 million budget deficit?
A. Prioritize and/or cut spending 57%
B. Tap the state’s rainy day and reserve funds along with spending cuts 9%
C. Increase business taxes 3%
D. Increase income taxes on high income ($250,000+) Minnesotans 15%
E. A combination of spending cuts and tax increases 16%
Rep. Peppin’s thoughts I favor prioritizing and cutting wasteful spending. This is what the families of our district do during tough economic times, and the state should do the same.
4. What is your opinion of the health care system in Minnesota?
A. The system is broken. To ensure coverage for all, we should enact a government-administered program. 17%
B. The system needs reform that can best be accomplished by empowering consumers and the free market. 60%
C. The system works sufficiently well and no massive changes are necessary 14%
D. Don’t know/Need more information 9%
Rep. Peppin’s thoughts I support empowering consumers and enhancing free-market mechanisms to improve health care. I don’t believe a government-run health care system will be more efficient or affordable.
5. What do you think is our biggest transportation problem?
A. Not enough highway lanes 36%
B. Lack of mass transit alternatives (light rail, commuter rail, busses) 23%
C. Repair and maintenance of existing roads and bridges 41%
Rep. Peppin’s thoughts Taking care of roads and bridges should be a high priority in the Legislature. We all use the roads every day and depend on their safety and reliability.
6. Should Minnesota eliminate subsidies to farmers and corporations engaged in the production of ethanol?
A. Yes 73%
B. No 14%
C. Don’t know/Need more information 13%
Rep. Peppin’s thoughts I support efforts to become energy independent. I believe we need to look at every possible avenue to meet our energy needs so that we don’t have to rely on foreign oil. But continuing to subsidize the ethanol industry without looking at the big picture is a mistake. If it has merit, the industry should be able to stand on its own without subsidies. If it can’t, it’s not worth the cost.
7. What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing our education system?
A. Shortage of funding 17%
B. Need for reform and accountability in how existing dollars are spent 55%
C. Crowded classrooms 6%
D. Discipline in the classroom 10%
E. Lack of rigor in curriculum 4%
F. Other 8%
Rep. Peppin’s thoughts For the third straight year, reform and accountability continue to be the top education concern of district voters. We need to do more to ensure taxpayers’ trust in our education system is maintained.
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News Items
- PEPPIN REPORT: NW SUBURBAN FAMILIES WILL BE HIT HARD UNDER DAYTON AND DFL BUDGET - (Posted: May 28 2013 4:35PM)
- Rep. Peppin’s bill would lessen unfair fiscal disparities tax burden on Rogers - (Posted: Apr 3 2013 9:36AM)
- PEPPIN REPORT: FEBRUARY FORECAST REVEALS FOURTH CONSECUTIVE STATE SURPLUS - (Posted: Feb 28 2013 12:00AM)
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