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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
RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT
By Tim Sanders
State Representative
This week we have been hearing more about the budget plans the Majority party is putting forth. While it is good to see plans coming forth, they do not represent the concerns that I have heard from the community. The plan put forth by the Senate does little to protect the people of our district, and fix the problem Minnesota faces.
The current Senate plan does not get to the root of the problem. The base of the problem is simply the state spends more money than it currently takes in. While state spending has grown by approximately a billion dollars every year since 2000. That is why we have seen budget deficits all too frequently here in Minnesota.
If we’re going to get a hold of this problem we need to make sure we’re focusing on our priorities. Legislators must understand that we cannot tax our way out of this budget deficit. The only thing taxing does it take more money out of your pocket. That means you have less to spend and make sure your own budget is balanced.
Looking at the numbers we can see taxing will not solve the problem. It would take a 111% tax increase on the highest bracket of income earners in Minnesota to balance the state budget, without reducing spending. It would take a 31% increase on each and every Minnesotan to balance the budget without reducing spending. We cannot balance the budget by raising taxes.
The Legislature needs to hold the line on spending, and not increase the tax burden on families. In an era of unfettered government spending, Minnesota needs to be the shining light that puts a stop to soaking the taxpayers with reckless spending. We can show the rest of the country how to balance a budget responsibly, and how to keep the people at the front of government instead of at the back.
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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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