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State Representative Joyce Peppin
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7806
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
NEWS COLUMN
Peppin Report - Time for Common Sense Budget Solutions
The Peppin Report
On Wednesday we learned that Minnesota is facing a budget deficit of $1.2 billion. Facing a budget shortfall is unfortunately not new, and Minnesota taxpayers are weary of state government’s inability to balance spending and revenue.
Over the past forty years, Minnesota government spending has outpaced economic and demographic measures including inflation, the consumer price index, and population growth. Minnesotans are looking forward to economic recovery and renewed prosperity-and this will be enhanced when government undertakes the necessary measures to get its finances in order.
Some say that the answer is to raise taxes and maximize the amount of revenue government takes in. But Minnesotans cannot afford-and do not deserve-more taxes. Instead, as elected officials we must take a serious look at how our government operates and how best to maximize the use-and not the amount-of taxpayer dollars. Just as families around our state are making the difficult decisions with their finances, the state must do the same.
By setting clear priorities and developing innovative solutions to meet the needs of our citizens, we can provide Minnesotans with nation-leading schools, health care, transportation, and other services. Three examples of real policy progress include:
• Sustainable, accountable, and results-oriented health and human services programs
• Business growth and investment incentives and tax relief
• Education reforms that make the most of financial and human resources in preparing each student for the 21st century economy
These and other changes won’t be easy, but we owe it to our children and future generations to do the “heavy lifting” necessary to bring back economic prosperity.
I invite you to contact me with your feedback on setting Minnesota’s priorities and ways you believe the budget should be balanced. You can reach me via email at rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn or 651.296.7806. U.S. Mail should be sent to Rep. Joyce Peppin, 279 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
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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