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State Representative Tim Sanders
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4226
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
REFORMS NEEDED
This week the state economist released the latest state budget forecast. While the bottom line is better than some may have expected it still shows a $6.3 billion budget deficit. The deficit is softened when you factor in money from the federal government, but even afterwards we still face a deficit of $4.5 billion.
This budget forecast highlights our need to reform government. If we simply balance the current deficit we will be facing a nearly $5 billion deficit in 2 years. We owe it to the citizens of Minnesota to come up with a budget solution that does not ignore the long term stability of our state.
In solving this deficit we need to focus on economic recovery. We need to implement reforms for a stronger Minnesota. One reform is to make Minnesota a better place for jobs. I have talked with many Blaine residents over the past few weeks that have either lost or are worried about losing their job. Recently it was announced the unemployment rate in Minnesota has risen to 7.6% statewide. This trend needs to be reversed. Minnesota must be a place where business both large and small can flourish.
Creating more private sector jobs should be priority number one for our state leaders. In doing so we can get people back to work. When people earn paychecks it means an increase in income tax revenue. When people earn paychecks they have more money to spend which means an increase in sales tax revenue.
Along with more private sector jobs we need to make sure government is not spending more money than it takes in. Government spending over the past two years is a large part of the reason behind this deficit. Reducing spending to match income is needed to get a handle on the deficit problem. Rolling back the most recent spending increases is the best place to start.
With the latest budget forecast out, and approximately two months until the Constitutional adjournment deadline, it is time for us to get down to work. There is much to be done during the time that is left. We should not wait any longer. We should make sure the process is setup to happen quickly and with the opportunity for the public to partake in the process. We should not rush through bills under the cover of darkness. That is not how good legislation is made.
Economic recovery and reduced government spending are the reforms which lay the foundation to help solving the current budget deficit and getting Minnesota back onto the path of continued fiscal prosperity. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make it happen.
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News Items
- 2013 Legislative Survey Results - (Posted: May 14 2013 10:16AM)
- Legislative Update from Rep. Sanders - (Posted: Mar 14 2013 12:00AM)
- Budget Outlook Improves - (Posted: Mar 1 2013 5:38PM)
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