Minnesota House of Representatives

Accessibility menu

Menu

Minnesota House of Representatives

State Representative Tara Mack

345 State Office BuildingState Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5506

For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520

Posted: 2010-02-24 00:00:00
Share on: 



LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The Bonding Bill

To the Editor,

On Monday night, the House passed a borrowing bill surpassing $1 billion. This bill is poorly timed, too large and shows we need to review our priorities for the session.

I did not support this bill hoping legislative leaders will move a bill forward focuses more on funding vital state projects and sets responsible priorities for the economic future of our state. Unfortunately, the bill that came before the legislature on Monday did not do this. Instead it borrows millions of dollars to fund volleyball courts, shade tree programs and other earmark projects without statewide significance and focuses on wants rather than needs.

Legislative leadership argues we need to pass this bill quickly to bring jobs to Minnesota now, but the majority of the projects funded in the bill (and the jobs created) will not begin until next year. This is not an acceptable solution for Minnesota. Rather than increase the state's debt we should pursue policies which enable private businesses to create long lasting, well paying jobs as soon as possible.

Another reason I voted against this bill is because our primary focus should be balancing the budget. We face a $1.2 billion deficit and a projected $5.4 billion shortfall in the next biennium. Borrowing another billion dollars before these problems are addressed is absolutely irresponsible.


We need to take steps to get our state back on solid fiscal ground. Minimizing our debt is one key towards accomplishing that goal. Minnesotans understand the need to cut back and live within their means during these tough economic times. It is time for the government to do the same thing. We cannot keep spending more than we have. Increasing our debt without thinking about the consequences is irresponsible. We are mortgaging our future and our children will have to pick up the tab.

Sincerely,



State Representative Tara Mack
Apple Valley and Burnsville

News Items

Audio & Video

Galleries

No image galleries found

Minnesota House of Representatives  ·   100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Saint Paul, MN   55155   ·   Webmaster@house.mn