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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
Budget Forecast – Time to Control Spending, Make Government Stay Within Its Means
To most families and businesses, 8.8 percent more revenue would be a real boon. Unfortunately for big government, that’s just not enough. Today the most recent state budget forecast was announced, showing a projected $5 billion deficit over the next two years. While the state’s fiscal picture has improved slightly in the last few months, the current projected deficit remains among the largest in our state’s history and illustrates the consequences of unsustainable state spending. And spending really is the issue. While state revenue is projected to increase 8 percent ($2.7 billion), automatic spending increases of 29 percent are responsible for this deficit.
Government should be able to live within 8.8 percent growth. The Republican-led legislature will continue to work for solutions that put priorities first and make government stay within its means. Unlike the Governor’s budget proposal, which featured over $4 billion of higher taxes and continued spending increases, we will put a stop to auto-pilot spending and unsustainable government growth. Our reform initiatives would reduce costs, improve efficiency and drive innovation to deliver the services our citizens rely upon within a balanced, sustainable budget.
I’m encouraged that the budget forecast showed an improved economic outlook, but as state officials added, many uncertainties remain. This makes it all the more important to put government’s fiscal house in order and continue our work to improve Minnesota’s business climate. My Republican colleagues and I have already introduced or passed several pro-growth initiatives this session, and we will continue to work for tax reform, regulatory relief and other measures to make Minnesota more competitive and enhance opportunity in the free market.
Our state can no longer afford the tax-and-spend status quo—and you deserve better. Job growth and the budget will continue to be the focus in St. Paul, and as we look to put Minnesota back on track I encourage your continued involvement. I appreciate the constituent feedback I have received so far this session, and my door is always open to the people and priorities of our community. Together we can bring responsibility back to government and job growth back to Minnesota.
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
- Rep. Ernie Leidiger Statement - (Posted: 2012-09-17 00:00:00)
- LEGISLATURE PASSES REP. LEIDIGER’S E-VERIFY BILL - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
- Reform: The Legislative Priority for Job Creation - (Posted: 2012-02-20 00:00:00)
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