1. Currently low and middle income earners pay a larger percentage of their income for state and local taxes than Minnesota’s highest earners. Do you support creating a new tax bracket for state’s highest earners (couples earning $400,000+ per year and individuals earning $226,000+ per year)?
Yes
No
Not sure

2. The state is facing a $5.2 billion budget deficit, which is expected to increase in the February Forecast, partly brought on by the nationwide economic downturn. Minnesota’s Constitution requires lawmakers to balance the budget before the end of the session. What should the Legislature do to make up the difference?
Raise taxes
Cut programs
Combination of tax increases and budget cuts

3. If cuts are to be made in education which areas should be protected from cuts.
Special Education
Early Childhood education
Per-pupil funding for K-12 schools
New technology in the classroom
Tuition limits at state colleges and universities

4. Do you support requiring jobs and job training opportunities that may become available as a part of a federal economic stimulus plan to include low-income and communities of color?
Yes
No

5. Should any liquor tax increase dedicate a portion of the funds for chemical dependency treatment and support services?
Yes
No

6. Minnesota law prohibits liquor stores from being open on Sundays. Do you believe this law should be repealed?
Yes
No
Not sure

7. The State of Minnesota now requires all 11th grade students to pass a mathematics proficiency test in order to graduate. As many as 33,000 students may not pass the test in 2009, meaning they can’t graduate. What do you think Minnesota should do?

8. Are state laws regulating ATVs and off-highway vehicles restrictive enough in providing recreational opportunities and protecting the environment?

9. There are an estimated 80,000 uninsured children in Minnesota. Would you support creating a new state program to provide health care coverage for all uninsured children in Minnesota even if it means increased costs?
Yes
No

10. Should the Legislature ban chemicals that may be harmful to children’s health (e.g. Biphenyl-A) from use in plastic products designed for children such as baby bottles, toys and baby formula containers?
Yes
No

11. Would you support a new law to minimize prison sentences for low-level, non-violent drug offenders in order to focus prison resources on the most dangerous drug offenders?
Yes
No

12. The Metropolitan Council Transit Program (city buses) is facing a massive budget deficit. How should this shortfall be addressed?

13. What do you believe the state should do to make health care available and affordable for all Minnesotans?

14. Please add any additional comments: