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| Date: | March 22, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Peter D. Winiecki | | Contact Phone: | 651-297-8077 | | Contact Email: | peter.winiecki@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| STATEMENT FROM DEPUTY MAJORITY LEADER GEOFF MICHEL ON BUDGET BILL PROCESS |
(St. Paul) --- Deputy Majority Leader Geoff Michel (R-Edina) offered the following statement regarding the budget bill process at the Capitol:
“This is a big week at the legislature, we’re not going to rush because it’s important to get things right. We’re working within our budget targets --- targets that make government live within its means, and we’re not going to ask Minnesota families and businesses for more taxes.
We have enough money. When you insist on tax increases, you’re talking about growing government and taxpayers cannot afford that anymore. There is not a majority in the legislature that will support that.
Our members truly understand the impact that these budget proposals will have. Our committee deadlines and budget targets were formally announced to the public and were posted online. Our committee budget bill proposals are being handled the same way and we are actively seeking public feedback.
It is important to understand that we have 62 days left to come to agreement on our priorities and budget solutions. This is an opportunity to bring government into the 21st Century, and it’s an opportunity that we’re not going to waste.
The Republican Senate is focused on the budget and we are doing that work in committees now - not waiting until midnight of the final day - as has been done by former legislatures. Good work on a balanced budget in March and April will help us complete our work in May."
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