Results of Rep. Barrett’s 2014 Legislative Survey Show Taxes, Jobs Top Priority in District 32B

St. Paul – Representative Bob Barrett conducted a survey, polling hundreds of constituents about their priorities for the legislature this session. Taxes, jobs and repealing last year’s business-to-business taxes were top priorities for constituents in District 32B.

Here are the results of Rep. Barrett’s 2014 legislative survey:

1. Which of the following is most important to you? (Check all that apply)
   1. Jobs/Economic Development  57%
   2. Transportation  20%
   3. Environment  24%
   4. Taxes  65%
   5. Healthcare  40%
   6. Education  32%
   7. Public Safety  13%
   8. Other  7%

2. In 2013, business-to-business taxes were created on farm equipment repair, telecommunications equipment and warehousing services. Do you support the repeal of these taxes in 2014?
   1. Yes  67%
   2. No  18%
   3. Undecided  15%

3. Legislation has been introduced that would seek to create additional gun control laws in an effort to decrease gun violence. Do you support additional gun control measures?
   1. Yes  31%
   2. No  63%
   3. Undecided  6%

4. The 2013 tax bill, which included $2.2 billion in tax increases, did not include a long standing provision for federal tax conformity resulting in state taxes now being charged on such things as daycare expenses and the short sale of foreclosed homes. Do you believe Minnesota should enact federal conformity?
   1. Yes  47%
   2. No  26%
   3. Undecided  27%

5. Later this session, it is expected that the legislature will take up the issue of minimum wage. Do you support raising the minimum wage? If so, would you support meeting the federal level of $7.25 per hour or the proposed $9.50 per hour?
   1. Yes $7.25   38%
   2. Yes $9.50   36%
   3. No   26%

6. There is a proposal to legalize marijuana in Minnesota for those with certain medical conditions. In addition to potential medical benefits including the promise of reducing seizures, there are a number of unintended consequences including diversion to recreational use, increased marijuana related traffic fatalities and increased use by teenagers. Do you support this proposal?
   1. Yes  45%
   2. No  41%
   3. Undecided  14%

7. Governor Dayton and the 2013 Minnesota Legislature approved a new $90 million office building for state senators. Do you support this new building?
   1. Yes  10%
   2. No  79%
   3. Undecided 11%

8. Minnesota has 134 state representatives and 67 senators, more than the number of legislators in many higher populated states. In order to streamline and create more efficient state government, should the number of Minnesota legislators be reduced?
   1. Yes  75%
   2. No  13%
   3. Undecided  12%

9. Governor Dayton and the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation to unionize self-employed, home-based child care providers. Do you think daycare providers should be unionized?
   1. Yes  12%
   2. No  78%
   3. Undecided  10%

10. School districts in our area currently receive far less per pupil in state education funding than schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Do you support the Equity in Education Funding Bill which would make funding for local schools and other low funded schools in Minnesota more fair and equitable?
    1. Yes  79%
    2. No  9%
    3. Undecided  12%