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| Date: | February 16, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Michael B. Brodkorb | | Contact Phone: | (651) 296-4184 | | Contact Email: | michael.brodkorb@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| REPUBLICAN LEGISLATIVE LEADERS VOICE STRONG OPPOSITION TO DAYTON’S PLAN TO RAISE TAXES |
(St. Paul) - Republican legislative leaders set out on a statewide fly-around tour to explain their strong opposition to Gov. Mark Dayton’s budget plan, which proposes $3.35 billion in new taxes, a 22.3 percent increase in General Fund spending and adds the highest income tax bracket in the nation. The lawmakers will begin in St. Paul, making stops in Rochester, Mankato, Moorhead and finishing in Duluth.
“Tax increases are simply unacceptable in this economic climate, said Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch (R-Buffalo). “Republican and Democratic Governors all over the country are responding to budget deficits by slashing tax rates and cutting state spending levels. Gov. Dayton’s proposal for job-killing taxes and dramatic increases in spending is just ill-conceived.”
“Governor Dayton is sending the wrong message to Minnesota. In unveiling a budget sure to cause uncertainty for Minnesota businesses and families, Gov. Dayton proposed a plan that raises taxes and increases state spending by 22 percent,” said Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove). “This is the wrong direction for Minnesota, its economy and families.”
The largest newspaper in the state blasted Gov. Dayton’s proposed tax increases in an editorial, asserting that it “misses competitive reality.” It also said that the message Gov. Dayton’s proposal sends to potential investors and job providers is “not positive.”
“Gov. Dayton’s desire for massive tax hikes has already sent shockwaves through business leaders and job providers. We are out to reassure them that we will keep Minnesota open for business,” said Deputy Majority Leader Geoff Michel (R-Edina). “We need to grow private sector jobs and the best way to do that is to promote economic growth. We will not continue the failed tax-and-spend experiments of the past.”
“Governor Dayton’s plan is shortsighted,” said House Majority Leader Matt Dean (R-Dellwood). “Republicans have a reasonable, common sense approach that starts with fiscal responsibility, economic growth and reform. While Governor Dayton is protecting government, we are protecting families, jobs and Minnesota’s future.”
