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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
A BALANCED BUDGET WITH NO TAX INCREASES
As promised, House Republicans have released a balanced budget plan that doesn’t raise taxes, protects priorities and makes government live within its means. Our budget solution is fiscally responsible, provides tax relief and realigns government to reality.
Solving a $5.1 billion budget shortfall is not a task that is envied by most people. But time and time again I’ve heard residents say government should spend only what it has available because that’s how every family is forced to operate. This budget does exactly that.
Taxpayers will not be asked to give more to state government. In fact, our plan actually provides tax relief. Anyone who pays taxes would receive a break under this proposal, which is the most fair and equitable way to distribute tax relief. The plan also cuts $3.6 billion in future spending. This means a 13.1 percent reduction in projected state spending over the next two years.
We also recognize that prioritization was necessary in order to make this budget work. With the goal of protecting people and not programs, House Republicans chose to hold classroom funding, nursing homes, veterans, and our court system harmless.
Let’s not forget that we are facing these continued shortfalls because for too long, government spending has been allowed to escalate without reform. This budget proposal focuses on reform, by including provisions that reduce the size and cost of state government bureaucracy; identify and close unnecessary government operations; institute Medicaid fraud technology to flag and prevent fraudulent Medicaid payments; and consolidate legislative back-office and administrative functions for savings and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Anytime you have to make budget reductions, some programs are going to suffer. But I’m confident that most people are going to be satisfied with this proposal, because ultimately it will provide more efficient service, less fraud and waste, reduced bureaucracy, and a smaller government that lives within its means.
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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