Dear Neighbors,
Last week state economists revealed Minnesota has a state surplus for the fourth budget cycle in a row. In total, we’ve reached a $2.8 billion positive balance for the biennium.
What’s more, economists said that, if left alone, our current operating budget would yield a $782 million surplus in the out-years. The only thing we need to handle at the moment is a $627 million deficit for 2014-15—a far cry from the $5 billion deficit legislators had to tackle when I first took office in 2011.
As you know, the governor is proposing to remedy the projected $627 million deficit by increasing taxes $3.7 billion on every person, household, business, city, and county. He also proposes to increase government spending by an additional $2.5 billion, which would cause government to grow 153% more than growth of the economy.
Considering the good economic news we just received, why would we change routes on our current road to success? Our economy is slowly but steadily climbing to recovery, and hardworking Minnesotans and small businesses are a large reason for that. We need to look out for their well-being, not punish them for their efforts.
I believe the governor’s budget will head us in the wrong direction at the wrong time. I look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle to put together a better budget option that is in the best interest of all Minnesotans.
YOU’RE INVITED! 2013 BUSINESS DAY AT THE CAPITOL
Please join me for the First Annual Northwest Minnesota Business Day at the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 13.
This event is the first ever for Northwest Minnesota, and my intention is to bring together folks from businesses of all sizes to address the specific economic issues in our area. I encourage everyone in business to attend—farmers, main street business owners, home-based business owners, small manufacturers, you name it. Together, we can make our voices heard and create a lasting impact on this legislative session.
This day-long event will be held in conjunction with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s Business Day, though attendance is not limited to local or state Chamber members. It will include meetings with top legislators and legislative leadership on issues like education and workforce, spending and tax reform, health care, energy, environmental regulations and election reform.
For more information, please call or email me. A tentative schedule can be located here.
To register for the event, please contact Leah Tomasetti of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce at 651-292-4669 or ltomasetti@mnchamber.com.
VISITORS
Jessica Korynta of Warren visited for Minnesota Private Colleges Day. Jessica is a sophomore at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.
Resort owners from across Minnesota.
TOWN HALLS: FRIDAY, MARCH 8
MEETING SCHEDULE
Friday, March 8
Warren
Melody's Cafe
510 N. Main St.
9:00-10:00 a.m.
Argyle
Argyle Senior Center
703 Pacific Ave.
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Kennedy
Kennedy Cafe
518 Atlantic Ave.
12:15-1:15 p.m.
Stephen
Stephen Community Center
319 5th St.
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Please let me know if you are ever in St. Paul. I would love to meet with you at my office. Or, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you might have related to state government. I am here to serve you!
Dan
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01A