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State Representative Rick Hansen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
Column/LTE
A BUDGET BALANCED BASED ON YOUR PRIORITIES
To the Editor:
Over the last several months lawmakers have traveled the state gathering input from Minnesotans on how to balance the state’s $6.4 billion budget deficit. More than 6,500 people attended 23 public hearings statewide and over 3,000 Minnesotans weighed-in online at www.house.mn. Sen. Metzen and I held 5 town hall meetings throughout District 39, and invited citizens to the Capitol to discuss the budget and other legislative issues.
Carefully considering that input and the impact our decisions will have on Minnesota’s future, House DFLers crafted a budget plan that reflects the priorities of Minnesotans. Our budget does exactly what you asked: it resolves the shortfall in a forward-thinking, responsible way that protects our most vulnerable citizens and preserves our quality of life.
The House DFL budget protects Minnesota students from pre-school to college. It sets clear priorities and resolves the budget shortfall with a balanced approach - cutting where necessary and providing for new, progressive revenue to protect and grow jobs, and maintain the essential services.
I’m disappointed Governor Pawlenty’s budget proposal does not share the same long-term vision. There are some areas of his budget I agree with, but relying on $1 billion in borrowing for general operations that racks up more than $600 million in interest is not a long-term solution. In the next few weeks we are going to work hard to find compromise and balance this budget responsibly.
We need to make careful decisions to ensure our future remains strong. But lawmakers can’t do that work alone - we need your continued input. I encourage you to contact me directly with your questions, suggestions, and concerns. I look forward to hearing from you.
Rick Hansen
State Representative
District 39A
(651) 296-6828
rep.rick.hansen@house.mn
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