Walz ONE Minnesota is a Euphemism for “Collectivism”
Not even the slightest bit surprising, but this week the Governor made clear his intent to force his California style green energy initiative through the legislature with little to no debate. However, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has scheduled a few public information sessions to discuss the governor’s proposal to bypass legislative due process and bring California’s auto standards to Minnesota through rulemaking. The sessions are being conducted online and the next ones are at 3 p.m. on Feb. 22-23. Click HERE for more information regarding those sessions. Also, prior to adopting the new rules, there is a public comment period running through March 15. People can learn more or submit their comments HERE.
These proposals by the Governor, if enacted, partnered with the Governors new $52.4 Billion dollar budget would have a perverse effect on the middle and lower class. The Governor’s budget raises state spending by 9.5 percent, and in order to pay for it he raises taxes by $1.7 billion. More “revenue” is generated by taking $217 Million unspent from the current year, raiding the rainy-day fund for $1.04 Billion, and the Stadium reserve for $130
million. Worst of all, it increases the corporate tax rate by 15%, making it the second highest in the nation according to the Tax Foundation. The corporate tax increases will result in increased taxes on low- and middle-income families. Department of Revenue numbers show that corporate tax increases fall only 9% on the company (owners/shareholders) and 91% on consumers and employees.
When the Commissioner of Revenue was asked in committee if those figures came from the tax incidence study done by a group of professors from Institutions around the state, it was pointed out to him that they came from the Department of Revenue’s own numbers. Below you can watch my question to the Commissioner if these new increased taxes would be optional as the language insists, an attempt to lighten the blow.
It also proposes a 10% increase to the top income-tax bracket, creating a “fifth tier” and
giving Minnesota the third-highest income tax rate in the nation. Far from being just
wealthy people, these often include small and medium businesses and even
farmers, who may be putting most of their “income” back into their businesses. With all these new regressive taxes, partnered with the increased cost of forcing the transition to renewable energy Minnesota taxpayers will be feeling the brunt force of these policies, not the top 1% Walz keeps repeating to himself hoping it comes true.
Requiring Masks by law; a “New Normal”?
House Democrats have authored a bill (HF 604) requiring that facemasks be worn in numerous public settings. I oppose this bill, and support people’s individual rights and their ability to take whatever steps they feel are necessary to stay healthy. These lockdowns have been going on for 1 year. We need to ReOpen Minnesota today. I trust that business owners, and people alike will make the decisions that are best for them.
After the house ramrodded a resolution through to “reaffirm” our commitment to democracy, I doubt this bill will get its due on the Floor. With the move to virtual floor sessions this year many bills have not been getting much - if any - discussion. Without the ability to present amendments on the spot, thanks to the 24hr rule, and with time limited committees I seriously worry this bill too will be forced straight through to the floor.
That means we have to fight this bill as hard as we can, every chance we can get. This sets a dangerous precedent, and reaffirms to the Governor his lockdowns are working. I am an ardent believer that these lockdowns have done more harm than good. When our kids, a demographic not even in harm's way, get forced to wear masks only to pass out or get taken to the hospital we owe it to them to ask why. Walz refuses to acknowledge his mistakes and has decided to double down rather than admit defeat.
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