Dear Neighbor,
We finally got some information from House Democrats regarding their budget proposal for the next biennium. It is what we anticipated: tax increases to pay for excessive spending.
Their proposed spending total is at least $39.3 billion. It includes at least $2.4 billion in new taxes, with a “temporary” income tax added for top earners. This is on top of the income tax hike the governor is seeking and it would give Minnesota one of the nation’s top rates.
Our economy is heading in the right direction. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is reporting Minnesota added 14,500 jobs in February, putting near the pre-recessionary peak five years ago. The state’s unemployment rate is down to 5.5 percent.
Revenue continues to exceed previous projections, rising by about 3 percent. That means Minnesota will have more money even without raising taxes. The only need for tax increases is caused by irresponsibly spending money faster than our projected growth in revenue. The budget approach I support does not raise taxes and simply keeps our state spending within the limits of our natural growth in revenue.
Say the Democrats get their way and raise taxes on Minnesotans in order to spend beyond our means. What happens next time? Who do they want to target with the next round of tax increases? Where does it stop? Is there ever enough money for them?
House Democrats are abandoning fiscal responsibility with a budget that would undoubtedly leave consumers paying more, cost us jobs and make Minnesota less competitive in the global market. These tax increases could deliver a substantial setback to our economic growth. Even Senate Democrats and Dayton himself are lukewarm to the House Democrats’ proposal.
GUN BACKGROUND CHECK DISCUSSION CONTINUES
The Minnesota House Public Safety Finance 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 also should know I support your right to keep and bear arms.
Sincerely,
Mark