1. There will be no easy decisions on what to cut as we go about the work of balancing our state budget. For example, health and human services and education together take up more than two thirds of the budget. Health and Human Services (HHS) is the fastest growing portion of the general fund budget – the majority of the HHS budget goes to low income seniors in long-term care, children and adults with disabilities, and subsidized health insurance for low-income citizens. Only 2 percent of the HHS budget, and less than ½ percent of the overall budget, goes to what would traditionally be called “welfare,” and is at a ten year low. Understanding that cuts will only be part of the budget solution and will have to include all areas of the budget, which of the following balanced solutions would you support to resolve the deficit?
Make greater cuts to health and human services to maintain K-12 spending
Make greater cuts to K-12 programs to maintain health and human services spending
Make across-the-board spending cuts for both K-12 programs and health and human services
Other ideas such as expansion of gambling which would help off-set a small portion of the cuts
Other (Please Specify):  

2. The unemployment rate in Minnesota stands at 7.4 percent. Economic recovery legislation can help create jobs in 2010. In your opinion, which initiatives should be implemented to create and retain jobs in Minnesota?
Invest in infrastructure and public works projects to create more jobs
Grow well-paying jobs in the most promising emerging technologies
Provide assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs to access federal grant programs for technology that will help grow jobs
Support greater collaboration between academia, research institutions and private industry
Provide new tax incentives to corporations, both regular & Sub Chapter S corporations
Do nothing and let the Market resolve itself
Other (Please Specify):  

3. In your opinion which options would help make the state’s business climate more competitive? (Check all that apply):
Provide low-interest loans to for small business entrepreneurs
Reform state business regulations
Cut taxes on small businesses
Provide small business tax credits for long-term investment
Enhance relationship between small business owners and state resources
Small businesses don’t need special state rule involvement

4. Do you support providing state funding to build a new Vikings Stadium?
Yes
No
Not Sure

5. Please add any additional comments.