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State Representative John Benson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9934
For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809
Column/LTE
BUDGET ONLY DELAYS THE INEVITABLE
To the editor:
The state government shutdown was painful for thousands of Minnesotans across our state and while I’m pleased that it’s finally over, I’m disappointed in the final budget result. This budget was the worst of all possible solutions to our budget deficit and that’s why I voted no.
We’re now stealing $2.3 billion total from our school children — with no way to pay it back. We’re borrowing $700 million from future revenue that isn’t guaranteed — putting more debt on our children. We’re almost literally mortgaging the future of our state. This is the height of fiscal irresponsibility and our state will be paying for it for decades to come.
Minnesotans voted for a divided government and they expected us to compromise, but they also expected us to do the real work, not simply delay the inevitable day of reckoning. We missed an opportunity to come together and make some tough cuts but also position our state for long-term success and long-term balanced budgets.
Finally, all of the bills for this special session were crafted in secret by majority leadership, with no input from the public and no input from minority legislators. This is unprecedented in Minnesota’s recent history. We’ve always prided ourselves on good government and an open process, but this process tarnishes that reputation and I’m incredibly disappointed.
While I’m pleased that the state government shutdown has ended and a budget is done, I’m disappointed we could not come to a long-term and more fiscally responsible agreement. Going forward, my priority will continue to be working to build a more prosperous Minnesota where all of us have the opportunity to succeed. We will be a stronger Minnesota when we confront our challenges head on, build a world class education system, and put the interests of Minnesotans first, not rigid ideology or partisan politics.
Sincerely,
John Benson
State Representative
District 43B
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