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State Representative Andrew Falk
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4228
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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FALK VOTES FOR FIRST 1/3 OF BUDGET SOLUTION
ST. PAUL, MN – State legislators passed a bill (HF1671) yesterday to resolve one-third of Minnesota’s $994 million budget shortfall. Rep. Andrew Falk (DFL – Murdock) voted for the carefully crafted bill, which cut $312 million from 10 specific areas of the state budget.
“These are difficult decisions, but they have to be made. It will take courage and common sense to bring our budget back into balance," said Rep. Falk. “We took the first step in that effort this week, carefully trimming state spending with cuts that protect Minnesota veterans and ask for a reasonable contribution from cities and counties.”
The bill passed by a vote of 80 to 51 – with only two Republicans voting to cut state government. HF1671 is the first of three major budget-balancing bills to be brought before the House this session. It seeks agreement with Governor Pawlenty in most areas, but makes far fewer cuts to local governments.
“Cuts to local governments proposed by Governor Pawlenty are unreasonable and unsustainable,” said Rep. Falk. “The House found savings in other areas to protect basic local services including our police and fire departments.”
Governor Pawlenty’s proposed cuts to local governments would have been devastating to West Central Minnesota communities.
“Taking a hatchet to city and county budgets during these trying economic times would be careless and irresponsible,” Falk said.
Most members of the Minnesota House of Representatives agreed. When an amendment was offered on the House floor bringing the Governor’s LGA cuts up for a vote, 119 members from both parties voted it down.
“I’m glad House Democrats and Republicans soundly rejected the Governor’s proposed local government cuts this week,” said Rep. Falk. “Our communities can’t afford higher property taxes and bare-bones local services.”
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- Budget Forecast: Major budget problems remain for 2014-15 Fiscal crisis in Washington creates uncertainty and concerns - (Posted: Dec 5 2012 12:00AM)
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