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State Representative Tim Sanders
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4226
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
NEWS COLUMN
Facing Another Deficit, Time For Common Sense Solutions
On Wednesday we learned that Minnesota is facing a predicted deficit of $1.2 billion. This makes clear that it is finally time for Minnesota government to learn to live within its means. Over the past forty years state spending has outpaced economic and demographic measures including inflation, consumer price index, and population growth. As we are all looking forward to economic recovery and renewed prosperity, the moment has arrived for our state government to set priorities and get spending under control.
This budget deficit demands that we create common-sense, forward-thinking solutions. A first step is to simply not spend more money than the state has. We can then reform and renovate government to deliver the results and the value our citizens deserve. The Governor’s proposed constitutional amendment to cap spending at the previous year’s revenue levels is an important initiative to prevent future deficits, but the work to balance this year’s budget remains.
Some say that the answer is to raise new taxes and maximize the amount of revenue government takes in. Instead of raising new taxes, we must take a serious look at how our government operates and how best to maximize the use—and not the amount—of taxpayer dollars. We must develop innovative solutions to streamline and modernize government programs and services.
At the same time the legislature focuses on its budget problems, we must also address the needs of the market economy—of businesses large and small—to enable long-term growth and prosperity. Minnesotans are subject to the 8th highest tax burden in the country and our business climate rates in the bottom ten. Instead of expanding in Minnesota, our home-grown corporations are building in places ranging as far as Singapore and as close to home as South Dakota. Even worse, some pick up and leave Minnesota altogether, lured by the incentives offered in other states.
We owe it to Minnesotans to reverse this trend and not only give birth to leading companies, but facilitate their growth and attract existing corporations looking to relocate. Companies from Medtronic to the start-up on Main Street are proof of our state’s tremendous workforce. With the right incentives we can foster a business climate that fully utilizes all of our assets and gives Minnesotans the economic opportunity they deserve.
As the 2010 legislative session nears, I am committed to translating your needs and interests into effective public policy and I encourage you to contact me with your priorities for Minnesota. By listening to our citizens and answering our responsibilities of public service, Minnesota government can right its course and put all of us back on the road of prosperity.
Sincerely,
Tim Sanders
State Representative, District 51A
News Items
- March 30 Legislative Update - (Posted: 2012-03-30 00:00:00)
- March 16 Legislative Update - (Posted: 2012-03-16 00:00:00)
- March 2 Legislative Update - (Posted: 2012-03-02 00:00:00)
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