The biggest sticking points between the Governor and Republicans and DFL legislative leaders is over how much to spend and whether to raise taxes. Should taxes be increased for more spending? I would argue no. Every dollar the government spends is one less dollar families and individuals can use. According to the Tax Foundation, Minnesotans send to the government - state, local or federal - nearly 34 cents of every dollar they earn. The
per capita state and local tax burden in Minnesota ranks us 11th highest in the nation.
This session the state is facing a $2.2 billion surplus and Governor Pawlenty has proposed a 9.3% budget increase over the next two years, without raising taxes. DFL senators proposed a one billion dollar tax increase so they could increase spending upwards of 15% over the next two years. This 15% increase is nearly double the growth of personal income for the typical Minnesotan over the past two years. I think there is no need to raise taxes and would argue that more money to expand government involvement in family matters is detrimental to our state; it only serves to weaken the family rather than strengthen it. It creates dependency and weakens parental rights and responsibility.
