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State Representative Jerry Newton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5369
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
Column/LTE
SHARING IN THE SOLUTION
To the Editor:
Last week during a snowstorm nearly 200 people attended a state budget hearing at Coon Rapids City Hall to offer input on Minnesota’s current budget deficit. Sixty-seven people testified, sharing personal stories and advice for a bipartisan committee of state lawmakers. I want you to know your testimony will be considered seriously at the Capitol in the weeks and months to come. Your continued input will be critical in helping us find a solution.
This week, the scope of Minnesota’s economic problems widened. State Economist Tom Stinson released a revised budget forecast showing state revenues have slipped another $1.1 billion over the last three months, bringing the total budget shortfall to $6.4 billion. Federal aid will provide $1.8 billion to help fill the hole. That brings the state’s share to $4.6 billion - making this, without question, the most serious fiscal crisis Minnesota has ever faced.
But the budget shortfall is a reflection of a larger systemic problem that must be addressed. We are facing a steadily worsening economy. Revised jobs figures this week revealed 120,000 Minnesotans will lose their jobs to the recession before year’s end - that’s twice the population of Coon Rapids.
The problems facing us are serious, and the answers won’t come easy. We must all work together, and create a solution that meets this challenge with wisdom and foresight. If we do this right, I am confident Minnesota can emerge from this recession stronger than we were before.
Jerry Newton
State Representative
District 49B
(651) 297-5723
rep.jerry.newton@house.mn
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