Minnesota DFL lawmakers are celebrating their victory in overriding Gov. Tim Pawlenty's veto and passing the largest tax increase in Minnesota legislative history. While the federal government is sending out tax rebate checks to stimulate the economic activity and job growth, Minnesota DFL liberals, in all their wisdom, are raising taxes which will slow down economic growth and kill jobs in Minnesota.
Remember, these are the same liberal politicians who voted themselves a substantial "per diem" pay raise on the first day of the 2007 legislative session. Shame on the six Republican House members who joined the DFL parade of profound stupidity!
Hardest hit will be out state taxpayers who historically have contributed over 55 percent of the state's gasoline tax and vehicle license fee revenue. Additionally, outstate communities which depend on tourism, hunting, fishing, boating and other recreational activities will be severely impacted by further gasoline tax increases.
It is an indisputable fact that Minnesota is already one of the highest taxing states in the nation. Jobs and retirees are fleeing to other states with less hostile tax environments. DFL liberals have yet to explain why Minnesota's total tax burden per capita is substantially higher than all surrounding states including Wisconsin, Iowa, North and South Dakota. Could it be that, with record high employment at both state and local government levels, we have too much waste and too many government bureaucrats living off taxpayers? When is the last time you heard a liberal politician call for governmental spending constraints, or better yet, a statewide employee head count reduction? Gov. Pawlenty is right. It is time for taxpayer's voices to be heard.
A. L. Kleinke
ADVERTISEMENT
Nevis
