Dear neighbor,
It’s the final stretch of the 2013 legislative session. We just found out last night that Governor Dayton and DFL legislative leadership struck a deal on imposing $2 billion in new taxes on hard-working Minnesotans. In other words, three men in a back-room decided to make a deal out of the eye of the public. Their deal includes higher income taxes, a $1.60 tax increase on cigarettes, and punishing taxes on business-to-business purchases. This plan would give Minnesota the fourth highest tax rate in the nation and make us an outlier to our neighboring states. In short – the Democrats are coming after your money so government can get bigger while your wallet shrinks.
Tomorrow, the House is scheduled to take up the childcare unionization bill. Instead of debating the tax plan or major budget bills, apparently the priority of House Democrats is to give a big wet “thank you” kiss to the big unions. This piece of legislation would force in-home childcare providers to unionize. It also would require those who care for the elderly, disabled, and sick (including family members) to join a union. Given the controversial nature of this bill and the lengthy amount of time necessary to debate it, I’m worried that the rest of the budget and tax bills will have little time for open debate. I highly encourage you to come to the Capitol tomorrow if this is an issue that’s important to you.
The legislature must adjourn by 11:59 p.m. on Monday. Given the fact the House has yet to take up many of the finalized budget bills from conference committee, I expect we’ll be in session long hours over the next few days.
You can still reach me at rep.nick.zerwas@house.mn. To contact me by phone, call (651) 296-4237. Mail can be sent to Rep. Nick Zerwas, 303 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.
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Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Nick