Dear Neighbor,
We knew House Democrats would want to raise our taxes to help pay for unrestrained state spending in the next biennium, we just didn’t know how far they wanted to go.
House Democrats announced this week they want to jack up spending to at least $39.3 billion – a 9-percent increase – and raise our taxes by at least $2.4 billion. They even would pile a new “temporary” income tax increase on top of the one Gov. Mark Dayton is proposing. But, as we’ve seen over the years, “temporary” taxes have a history of becoming permanent.
The new fifth tier could exceed 11 percent and give Minnesota among the highest top rates in the country. Click here for a map. This comes at a time when many other states are looking to eliminate income tax systems in favor of more stable sources.
The budget improvements we made in 2011 and 2012 continue helping our economy move in the right direction. State revenue is rising by about 3.5 percent and Minnesota added 14,500 jobs in February, putting us near the pre-recessionary peak five years ago. The state’s unemployment rate is down to 5.5 percent.
Yet Democrats are willing to risk undoing this progress because they are unable to get a grip on spending. It goes to show there never is enough of other people’s money to satisfy some folks. Where does it end?
The bottom line is we can balance our budget without raising taxes by prioritizing our spending and staying within the limits of natural revenue growth. Democrats in the Legislature and the governor refuse to issue a responsible plan like that and instead continue looking for ways to grow government and make taxpayers pay for it.
I will continue working to advocate a more responsible approach that will make our fiscal situation better for the long haul.
GUN BACKGROUND CHECK FIGHT CONTINUES
A House committee did not take an expected vote on legislation that would have required universal background checks on nearly all gun sales in Minnesota this week because it did not have the votes to pass. But House Democrats said they would work together on a proposal that would force background checks on citizens who buy weapons at gun shows – a proposal most law-abiding Minnesota gun owners oppose.
Forcing background checks on hunters and sportsmen who buy a firearm at a gun show does nothing to reduce violence. It was clear universal background checks would not pass this year, but if background checks at gun shows are approved, the door will be opened for second amendment opponents to build on their gun control success next year. Gun rights supporters should be concerned about this latest development, but should also know I am working on this issue and support your right to keep and bear arms.
I appreciate your continued input on these topics and welcome your emails on the issues.
Sincerely,
Tom Hackbarth