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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tony Albright (R)

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Capitol Update from Rep. Tony Albright

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Here is an update on my work at the Capitol.


DFL Announce More Tax Increases

Last Thursday, the Governor announced his revised budget ideas, removing many of the burdensome tax increases he had originally proposed on business services and the middle-class. I appreciate the Governor taking time to listen to the overwhelming bipartisan opposition to his first tax and spend plan. The new plan, however, calls for a similar increase in state spending as the first, but accomplishes it through different tax increases. This time, an increase in income taxes (on individuals, farmers and small businesses) and transit sales taxes (which Scott County pays) would be used by Dayton to expand the size of government to an historic level.

Along with the Governor, the House Democrats also announced their intentions for spending levels and doubled down on the theory that tax increases grow the economy. House DFL’ers proposed the creation of a “fifth tier” on high income earners. This new level of income tax would be the highest in the nation (11%) and would impact thousands of individuals and businesses. It would make Minnesota an island of taxation that discourages investment and drives out prosperity. More importantly, the DFL Budget Resolution raises $2.4 billion in new taxes to cover a small $600 million deficit. One-party rule in St. Paul is resulting in a huge tax grab that could restrain Minnesota’s economy for decades to come.

In-District Hours – Thank You

Thanks to those that came to speak with me during last Saturday’s In-District Hours at the Prior Lake Library. We hope to hold more events like this in the future.

Meetings at the Capitol

  • Shayne Wilson for Commission of Deaf and Blind Day
  • Coalition for Adoption Reform
  • Constituents for Citizens for the Arts Day
  • David Rubene from Accenture for Chamber of Commerce Day
  • Scott County Workforce Investment Board
  • American Heart Association about Safe Routes to School program
  • Participated in the first Northwest Minnesota Business Roundtable

Survey

Many of you will receive a survey in the mail this week on issues we’re working on in St. Paul. Please complete it and return it to my office. If you don’t receive a mailing, you can complete my survey online at www.House.mn/55B beginning next week.

Daycare Unionization Presses On

Some bad ideas never die. House DFL’ers are putting days and weeks of focus into their effort to unionize Minnesota’s home childcare providers (HF950) even if the provider does not consent to entering the union and paying dues. This intrusion into the rights and freedom of at-home small businesses is one of the most alarming pieces of legislation to come across my desk thus far.

Many of you have contacted me on this issue and the response has been near unanimous – providers do not agree with this bill to force unionization and collect dues. You may recall, approximately a year and half ago, Gov. Mark Dayton issued an executive order which attempted to sidestep union organizing laws in Minnesota. This order put in place special rules for in-home childcare provider unionization and was later found by the courts to be unlawful. This is the same idea revived by the DFL majority in partnership with Minnesota’s powerful union organizations. If you have thoughts on this issue, please contact me. The House will vote on this proposal in the coming weeks and I want to know where you stand.

As always, please contact me with your thoughts and questions.

Sincerely,

Tony