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| Date: | June 16, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Michael Brodkorb | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-4184 | | Contact Email: | michael.brodkorb@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| GOP LEADERSHIP MAKES BUDGET COMPROMISE OFFER |
(St. Paul) -- Republican Legislative Leaders met with Governor Dayton on Thursday to offer a new budget compromise to prevent a government shutdown. The new proposal eliminates the Republicans’ request for tax relief in exchange Republican leaders have asked Governor Dayton to drop his request for a tax increase. By recognizing the dire fiscal condition the state is in, the decision to give up tax cuts demonstrates the Legislature’s commitment to reach a budget agreement by June 30, 2011.
“The offer we presented today represents a major compromise on behalf of Republicans to resolve the state's budget. We are giving up 100 percent of our tax cuts. We ask Governor Dayton to give up 100 percent of his tax increase and work with us to prevent a government shutdown he pledged would never happen,” said Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove).
“This is a principled, substantive offer which appropriates additional funds to areas where Governor Dayton has specifically cited concerns,” said Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch (R-Buffalo). “Moreover, this offer demonstrates our commitment to the state’s priorities and spends appropriate amounts of available revenues. This builds on the June 6 offer that met Gov. Dayton’s funding levels and concerns for kids, courts and cops as outlined in his veto message, which represented agreement on nearly 50 percent of the state’s budget.”
The new offer appropriates additional funds for higher education, environment, transportation, local government aid, flood and disaster relief. This is a significant compromise that recognizes the value of efficient and effective services and does not increase the tax burden on working Minnesotans and job providers.
Republican legislative leaders are expected to continue to meet with Governor Dayton in order to agree to a budget that is affordable to taxpayers and that will provide the services and reforms that citizens expect from state government. The offer made Thursday will expire at 5:00 PM on Monday, June 20.
Click Here To Read Letter From Sen. Koch & Rep. Zellers To Gov. Dayton
