1. The state currently faces a $994 million budget deficit due to the nationwide economic recession. Minnesota’s constitution requires lawmakers to balance the budget before the legislative session’s end. What is the best approach to balancing the budget? (please rank)
Raise taxes
Cut programs and services
Combination of tax increases and budget cuts
Operate government differently

If you picked raise taxes which taxes would you prefer to be increased?

If you picked cut programs & services what programs and services should Minnesota get rid of?

2. Minnesota’s state Legislature usually introduces a bonding bill in the second year of the biennium. This year the house and the senate passed a bill that came in just under a billion dollars. The bill is under Minnesota Management and Budget’s new debt guidelines and also would create 21,000 jobs. The Governor threatened to veto the entire proposal unless its cut down to roughly $685 million. Whose approach do you prefer?
The House
The Governor

3. Do you believe that an early bonding bill is a good way to get Minnesotans back to work while at the same time improving infrastructure?
Yes
No

4. How important is it to you that the Legislature focuses on job creation this session? (Please mark one)
Very important
Somewhat important
Indifferent
Not very important
Not important at all

5. Recently, the state announced plans to take out up to $600 million in private loans. This is a last resort plan that would only happen if the state completely runs out of cash in the spring. Do you support this plan?
Yes
No
Manage the budget so that the state maintains positive cash flow

If no, what would you do differently?

6. The Governor has approved a plan to borrow $442 million from Minnesota school districts that have funds in rainy day accounts including $58 million from Minneapolis. The money will be paid back in full in May but cash flow projections for this year indicate the state may do it again. What do you think of this approach?
It’s the right way; the state should balance the budget by any means necessary
Indifferent; schools will be paid back
It’s the wrong approach; The state shouldn’t take money from school districts because they saved, the state should solve it’s own problems

7. Recently, the House and Senate created a reformed GAMC program that would cover 38,000 Minnesotans per month at a cost of $457 per person. The Governor’s plan for GAMC would cover 21,000 people for one to five months and cost $937 per person per month. The Governor decided to veto the Legislature’s plan and we are currently negotiating with his office to work out our differences. Which approach do you feel will benefit the most Minnesotans?
Governor’s plan
The Legislature’s plan
A negotiated compromise plan between the two

8. The recent economic forecast for the state projected an additional $5.43 billion deficit for the biennium starting next year. This represents around a 15 percent shortfall to the state budget after budget shortfalls of 3.2 percent in 2010 and last year’s 13.5 percent. How should the state approach this deficit?
Exclusively through cuts
Exclusively through tax increases
Government reforms for greater efficiencies
Some combination of cuts, tax increases, and government reforms

9. Other comments or questions