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State Representative Tara Mack
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5506
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EMAIL UPDATE
Awaiting budget word from the Gov.
Greetings from the Capitol,
We are working through the weekend at the Capitol and today (Sunday) we are hoping to receive word from Governor Dayton regarding the budget proposal that was sent to him from the House and Senate.
Two days ago the Legislature delivered all of the major spending bills to the governor for action. These bills comprise a total budget of $34 billion for the next biennium. This represents a 6-percent ($3 billion) increase over current spending and erases our $5 billion budget shortfall without raising the tax burden on Minnesotans.
As we look for ways to slow the growth of government, I have been reluctant to increase spending by 6 percent, which is what current revenue forecasts project. However, it has been clear from the first day of this session that the governor wants an increase in state spending as his proposal suggests a budget of $36 billion and a tax increase of $2 billion. Therefore, in the interest of compromise, it seems clear that the $34 billion spending proposal put forth by the House and Senate is a good and balanced approach to settling the budget.
Budget meetings have picked up in frequency over the weekend as we work to find resolution before Monday's (tomorrow) constitutional date of adjournment. I remain committed to a budget that is sustainable and lives within the means of Minnesota taxpayers.
We must enact reforms that will enable our state to operate within the moderate 6-percent spending increase the Legislature has proposed. It is easy to raise taxes and go to someone else and ask them to pay more; the hard work is in reforming and restructuring our current systems and structures in order to better serve people. The bills put forth by the Legislature demonstrate a great deal of reform and I am optimistic that our perseverance this week and throughout the weekend will produce results Minnesotans can support.
I will let you know what transpires at the Capitol. In the meantime, please keep sending me your input by emailing rep.tara.mack@house.mn.
Hope you have had a good weekend!
Sincerely,
Tara
News Items
- April 6 Legislative Update - (Posted: 2012-04-06 00:00:00)
- March 30 Legislative Update - (Posted: 2012-03-30 00:00:00)
- March 23 Legislative Update - (Posted: 2012-03-23 00:00:00)
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