Posted on 05/27/2011 2:40:55 PM PDT by rhema
From every corner of Minnesota and all walks of life, our freshman class of Republican legislators came to the Capitol with a simple goal: bring responsibility back to government and job growth back to our communities. The four of us represent different areas and diverse backgrounds, but what unites us is our belief in the people and that with a sustainable, accountable government we can set Minnesota on track for a stronger future.
Earlier this week Gov. Dayton vetoed our balanced-budget plan that increases state spending 6 percent, utilizing revenue growth under existing tax levels. It would raise education funding 3.2 percent, provide $570 million more in Health and Human Services funding and offer tax relief to businesses and middle-income Minnesotans. In his comments, the governor made derisive comments toward our plan and our party - specifically our freshman class of Republican lawmakers. So who and what exactly was the governor calling "extreme"?
The governor called extreme a teacher from northern Minnesota, a businessman from southern Minnesota, a nurse from the Iron Range and a nonprofit volunteer from the Metro. Also "extreme" was our proposal to increase state spending 6 percent and bring long-needed structural change to state government.
All of us know that in our communities, any family or business would see a 6 percent increase in their own spending as a real boon. They would also say that anything that could be done to make those dollars go further and work better must be done. And finally, they would contend - as do we - that a career in politics is not necessarily the best background experience for delivering the real change our system needs.
As we wait for a budget deal to be reached and a special session to begin, the four of us and our legislative colleagues will return to our districts and again be with our families, friends and neighbors.
They'll tell us the same thing we heard last fall when we won the honor and privilege of representing our communities in St. Paul: control spending and don't raise my taxes.
That's what we've worked to do during the regular session, and we will stand firm as we head for a special session. Our constituents don't want to hear divisive political rhetoric or see the government shutdown over a billion-dollar tax increase. They just want to enjoy the lake, take their kids to Little League and have the confidence that our state government is putting Minnesotans first.
The bottom line is that a 6 percent increase in state spending is not extreme. Nor are teachers, nurses, business people and volunteers. This debate is about what Minnesota can afford today, tomorrow and 10 years from now. It is about creating a state where businesses grow jobs and thrive, where families have confidence in our economy and community institutions, and where our children wake up every day to a brighter Minnesota. That's what our budget plan does, and we hope the governor will recognize and act on the needs of our people.
Andrea Kieffer of Woodbury, Dan Fabian of Roseau, Carolyn McElfatrick of Grand Rapids and Rich Murray of Albert Lea are members of the Minnesota State House of Representatives.
The governor called extreme a teacher from northern Minnesota, a businessman from southern Minnesota, a nurse from the Iron Range and a nonprofit volunteer from the Metro. Also "extreme" was our proposal to increase state spending 6 percent and bring long-needed structural change to state government.
A minor flap over religion developed Monday, when Democratic Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk used the word “cult” in describing the new Republican majorities.
“Their principles are so burned into their soul that it’s almost like a religion, like a cult,” Bakk, DFL-Cook, told reporters.
Two Republican senators responded in a hastily arranged news conference, where Sen. Dave Thompson called the comment “bizarre” and “unhelpful.”
“I am not ashamed of the fact that I want to maintain fiscal discipline for the citizens of the state of Minnesota,” said Thompson, a first-term Republican from Lakeville.
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/05/24/end-of-session/
not raising taxes make you a cult member...
Not giving money to the god of big government makes one a cultist in the eyes of the left.
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He needs to take a look in the mirror when he throws those
words around!
Thanks for the ping!
actually. I agree but for a different reason. anything over 0% growth in the state budget is extreme for these days.
It seems that we have infantalized society to the point where the inane ravings from a two-year old viewpoint is considered grand political thought.
I am hoping that having the Rs in charge there will change
things for you, but with a moron for governor, it’s going
to be a real challenge. He is an embarrassment in a state
that has so many of them! Hang in there! :)
Reasonable word, facts, and logic have nothing to do with this. The Dems will say anything they want to about us because they know they can get away with it. A complicity media and a left leaning judiciary see to that...
What are the chances that Dayton’s governance could become an issue in the 2012 Senate race..Is Amy vylnerable? Will Michelle run?
Amy Klobuchar is sitting really well in the polls right now. No one of consequence or depth seems to want to take her on.
Her six years as a Senator have been...well, pretty empty. But she gets on camera a lot and shows up at the right places at the right times and next year, she’ll get re-elected handily.
I don’t see Michelle Bachman running for Senate. It’d be nice but she’s probably better off staying in the House.
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