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Legislative Survey for
Representative Kate Knuth (DFL) 50B

Dear Neighbors,

The 2010 Legislative Session began on February 4, and it promises to be a difficult one. Your input helps me serve New Brighton, Arden Hills, Shoreview, Fridley, and Minnesota more effectively. I particularly appreciate you taking the time to share your views in these challenging times.

The highest unemployment rates in three decades and a steep drop in wages have created another wide gap in the state budget. I know government cannot solve every problem, but I also know that targeted efforts to create jobs in the last year have worked. Federal recovery dollars and last year’s strategic bonding efforts prevented this recession from becoming a depression by creating thousands of jobs since last February.

Another jobs-focused bonding bill this year could put up to 10,000 Minnesotans back to work. While it won’t provide every out-of-work individual a job, it will get people spending, give Minnesota businesses a boost, maintain our valuable infrastructure, and help push our economy in the right direction.

Difficult budget decisions will again dominate the upcoming session. My highest priority as your legislator is creating a stronger Minnesota. We must focus on creating jobs and laying the groundwork for a firmer financial footing for our state.

Please contact me with your questions and concerns related to state government. I am honored to serve you and look forward to hearing thoughts and ideas.

Warm regards,
Kate

State Representative Kate Knuth
District 50B


1. What should the Legislature’s top priorities be in the 2010 Legislative Session? (Rank 1-8)
Balancing the budget
Passing a job creation package, including a bonding bill
Addressing climate change and other environment issues
E-12 education through higher education
Property tax relief
Health care reform
Public safety & consumer protection
Other (Please Specify):  

2. Which of the following options do you support to grow new jobs in Minnesota? (Check all that apply)
Make targeted capital investments in the state’s aging infrastructure
Provide tax incentives for businesses that hire and retain workers
Invest in renewable energy industries to bring green jobs to Minnesota
Support research and development at colleges and universities
Enact new tax breaks for corporations
Nothing
Other (Please Specify):  

3. After failing to compromise with the Legislature to balance the state budget in 2009. Governor Pawlenty single-handedly cut the state budget using the power of unallotment. His actions included shifting the school funding payment to a later date, forcing them into short-term borrowing and additional interest costs. Should the Legislature ensure the Governor’s shifts to K-12 schools are not a permanent cut and are paid back over time?
Yes
No
Unsure

4. Last session General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) was eliminated, cutting hospital funding more than $380 million and eliminating medical care for 30,000 of the poorest and sickest Minnesotans. This cut alone has eliminated millions of dollars in funding for area hospitals, including Regions. Do you support reinstating the GAMC program?
Yes
No
Unsure

5. Due to the economy, the state is facing a $1.2 billion budget deficit this session and a projected $6.6 billion revenue shortfall in the next biennium. What should the Legislature do to balance the budget?
Cut programs
Raise taxes
Combination of budget cuts, tax increases, and operating government differently
Allow the Governor to unallot
Operate government differently
Other suggestions:  

If you selected cutting programs or raising taxes, please specify which taxes you would increase or which programs you would cut.

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

7. Other comments or questions:

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