Two issues of interest- That’s quite a list of new Taxes & Fees! From MN GOP Chair, Keith Downey: Our concerns were, unfortunately but not surprisingly, justified. At a time when so many Minnesotans are still under water or barely getting their feet back on the ground, the Democrat legislature is poised to pass one […]
Dear Friends, I was pleased that Kanabec County Republican Convention was very well attended with about 60-70 delegates, alternates, and guests. Our goal is to have as many people as possible informed on the issues and involved in our party. Convention attendees and guests heard Phil Krinkie, President of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota, explain his […]
Dear Neighbors, I hope you enjoyed a blessed Christmas season and were able to be with your loved ones. I’d also like to thank those who are serving our country and sacrificing by being away from home and family. When I was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives two years ago, my main goal […]
We turned a $6.2 Billion Deficit into a $1.2 Billion Surplus- The Republican plan is working. Good fiscal management by Republicans in the Minnesota Legislature has turned the state’s bleak economic outlook from a year ago into more positive news. The February forecast estimates a $323 Million dollar surplus in addition to the $876 Million […]
Dear Friends, We have received our state’s new budget forecast. It calls for a surplus of almost $900 million. This shows new efficiencies and cost-containment measures we enacted this year are working. There were some incredibly difficult decisions to make at the Capitol in our first year as a majority. It is good to see […]
Dear Friends, This is technically the legislative offseason, but I still have been busy meeting with constituents and attending area meetings, including two forums on Tuesday. One meeting was a discussion of what we can do to help our state operate better through more efficient practices and by creating an environment where small businesses can […]
Only Governor Dayton can prevent a shutdown. He is the only one with the power to call a special session, allowing the Legislature to get back to work. So far, he’s refused. Governor Dayton claims that his tax increase will only affect the “Top 2%.” But in fact, a DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE study shows […]
Dear Friends, Speaker Zellers and Majority Leader Koch held a news conference this morning to discuss the state budget. Governor Mark Dayton has not put forward a complete and balanced budget in 90 days. His 50/50 proposal is neither complete or balanced. The GOP has put forward three budget offers – the session budget; kids, […]
Dear Friends: Opinion polls, news stories and everyday conversations are missing a crucial point as we continue working to find a budget solution. Most of the discussion seems to center on dollars and cents, or whether the top 2 percent of our earners are paying enough in taxes. Our focus should rest far beyond these […]
The Claim: Governor Dayton and the Democrats say the wealthiest Minnesotans can afford to pay more taxes…. But if we go down that road, we will simply continue the unsustainable growth of government spending that has led us to where we are today. And then we’ll have to do this same charade next budget. And […]
Dear Friends, The 2011 legislative session has adjourned and we put in long, hard hours to pass a balanced budget, new government efficiencies and education reform. The governor approved our plan for creating alternative licensing pathways for teachers. We also passed a new performance-based evaluation system for teachers and principals and scholarships to help low-income […]
Put an ink pen (any pen) in an envelope and mail it to the Governor with a note asking him to SIGN THE BALANCED BUDGET BILL that does not increase taxes. Responsible families and businesses plan their budgets based on their income. The Minnesota House has proposed exactly that for the State of Minnesota. SPREAD […]