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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
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Budgets, Priorities and Solutions
Last week we learned that Minnesota government faces a deficit of $994 million. The situation looks dire for the next budget cycle, with a projected deficit of $5.8 billion. The first month of session has focused on government borrowing in a bonding bill of misguided priorities. I hope the majority will finally let us get down to the business of the budget and long-term structural reform.
We are at a time when Minnesota government must focus on needs rather than wants. This deficit shows the need to renew the commitment to sensible government and focus the state’s efforts on core priorities. There will be very difficult choices, but these are choices that must be made.
Many constituents have raised concerns over cuts to human services programs. Just this week, I was visited by ARRM. Programming for the disabled—an example of a core priority—is expected to lose 2.5% of its funding. This is in part due to expanding or increasing other human services programs, compounding the fiscal strain on the state’s limited resources and putting core priorities at risk.
Fiscal responsibility and compassion work together. It is time to evaluate our spending programs, define our priorities and develop sustainable solutions. To fund one year, only to take away the next, is hardly compassionate. While difficult, the legislature may have to reduce some programs in order to assure the long-term viability of core services to the truly needy.
While the state’s budget situation is certainly negative, the challenge facing the legislature is an opportunity to achieve positive results. The pressure of difficult choices often brings out the best in us, and I am confident the legislature can find the sustainable solutions to meet the needs and priorities of Blaine and all of Minnesota.
Sincerely,
Tim
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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