Dear Friends,
This week the Governor delivered his annual State of the State address. He focused mainly on priorities that he has already laid out this session, including a controversial buffer strip proposal, universal pre-K, and more.
I wanted to focus this week on the amount of spending being proposed by the Governor, and my concerns about the sustainability of such dramatic spending increases.
If Governor Dayton's exact budget were to be enacted, Minnesota's budget will have grown by 25% since he took office in 2011. That is an astonishing growth in spending that puts Minnesota at risk for a future deficit if our economy slows. Governor Dayton sees a $1.869 billion surplus, and wants to spend every single penny. He is proposing no broad-based tax relief for middle class families.
Republicans continue to stand by our commitment that government should not be growing faster than family budgets. Growing government by 25% in a six year stretch when family budgets are only rising at a fraction of that level is a recipe for disaster, and disrespects the taxpayers who help to fund Minnesota government. Minnesota families work hard, and shouldn't be asked to continue funding this spending spree.
The Republican budget proposes a modest 1.7% increase in spending while making critical investments in things Minnesotans care about such as fixing our roads and bridges, increasing funding for nursing homes and our seniors, and more. We think this is a common sense approach that spends tax dollars responsibly.
We will continue working to put together a budget that respects your hard-earned tax dollars and doesn't put Minnesota's financial future at risk.
Online Survey: Last Call
If you haven't yet, please take my 2015 legislative survey online by clicking here. We will be closing the survey on Monday to tabulate the results. If you would like a paper copy mailed to you, please call my office at 651-296-5513.
Have a great weekend,
Mark Uglem
State Representative, District 36A