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State Representative Tim Kelly
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8635
For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317
NEWS COLUMN
2011 LEGISLATURE HITS THE GROUND RUNNING, SEEKS TO FUND TOP PRIORITIES ONLY
Everyone knows Minnesota faces an approximate $6.2 billion budget deficit. In years past when we faced a shortfall, lawmakers would sit around and wait for the updated forecast in February before actually beginning to address the problem.
We might not have the exact numbers for February yet but we certainly know what the issue is.
We have to change the way Minnesota spends money. Which is why House File 2, a bill that institutes priority based budgeting, will receive a floor vote.
On its face, priority based budgeting sounds cliché, but it’s simply common sense. As we continue to have repeated budget deficits, we have to make decisions to fund only the things that are most important. We can no longer accept that all state government programs need to receive funding increases every year.
Specifically, the bill would require the Legislative Commission on Policy and Fiscal Planning (LCPFP) to set budget priorities beginning in 2014 and 2015. It would also force an audit of other state agencies and policy boards to determine whether or not they should be abolished, reorganized, or continued.
If your family is struggling financially, you have to make spending decisions to make your budget work. You may have to decide whether to stay at home as opposed to going to the restaurant, watch a movie on TV versus go to the theatre, and a vacation may not be in the budget this year. You personally make these decisions using a priority based budgeting approach.
Government should be making similar choices because it simply cannot afford every program that’s currently being funded. We’ve seen business owners in the private sector make these tough choices again and again over the past few years. As we face another unprecedented economic crisis, it’s time for state government to follow suit.
News Items
- CONFERENCE COMMITTEES SHAPING IMPORTANT BILLS AT LEGISLATURE - (Posted: 2012-04-05 00:00:00)
- TAX RELIEF AND JOB CREATION BILL APPROVED IN MINNESOTA HOUSE - (Posted: 2012-03-22 00:00:00)
- MORE GOOD NEWS FOUND IN LATEST STATE BUDGET FORECAST - (Posted: 2012-03-06 00:00:00)
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