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State Representative Ernie Leidiger
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4282
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
NEWS COLUMN
From the Capitol News Column, Feb. 9, 2010 - State of the State
From the Capitol News Column, Feb. 9, 2010
State of the State
This Wednesday, Governor Mark Dayton delivered his first State of the State address. While I appreciate the Governor’s recognition that we need to grow jobs in Minnesota, his proposed tax increases run against our goal to promote economic opportunity and prosperity. The Governor’s speech was also short on specifics for balancing the budget and improving the economy, while his calls for higher taxes and more government spending would only perpetuate the very problems driving state government’s fiscal mess.
I may be new to the Legislature, but I know that the old ways of businesses and the status quo won’t lead to a stronger Minnesota. As I’ve said before, our state cannot afford the status quo and our people deserve better. That’s why we need to focus on positive initiatives and real reforms to reduce spending, balance the budget and improve Minnesota’s economy. I’m hopeful that Governor Dayton will work with the Legislature in developing a responsible, sustainable balanced budget.
As we wait for the Governor’s full budget proposal, the Republican-led Legislature passed our first budget bill to reduce the current projected deficit by $900 million. We understand that the key to a sustainable budget lies in stopping the auto-pilot spending increases of the past several decades. This bill does exactly that. As the session moves forward, we will continue to focus on Minnesota priorities including classroom funding, transportation and public safety.
Instead of raising taxes on hardworking Minnesota families and job creators, it’s time to change the way government does business and strive for efficiency, value and results. We will continue to advance our bills for reforming the state workforce, sunsetting out-dated agencies and eliminating non-essential or duplicative programs. With a responsible government and an open door to economic opportunity, the people of our community and all of Minnesota will put our state back on track for a brighter future.
Throughout the session I will keep constituents updated with these columns and regular email updates, which you can sign up for at www.house.mn/34a. Constituents are also welcome to stop by my office or call anytime with questions, comments and concerns. I look forward to hearing from you and making sure your voice is heard in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Ernie
News Items
- The Democrats’ Plan: Borrow, Tax and Spend - (Posted: May 26 2013 10:42PM)
- 2013 Legislative Survey Results - (Posted: May 14 2013 9:51AM)
- DAYTON TAX PLAN JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG - (Posted: Mar 27 2013 11:35AM)
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