We all agree that creating jobs is our number one priority. While Governor Dayton continues to insist on taxing Minnesotans and increased stimulus spending like increased bonding, he also asked that we not borrow any more money. Tax increases and a large bonding bill is borrowing, borrowing from taxpayers and job creators. How can we possibly begin to grow the economy if Governor Dayton wants to take away from those that help grow our economy best – the private sector? Republicans support long-term private sector growth. Our agenda provides certainty, business competitiveness and tax relief. It restores confidence in our economy, improves education and health care, and reduces government regulation so job creators can hire Minnesotans and grow their businesses.
Education is a top priority for the legislature this year, and I was glad to see that Governor Dayton thinks so too. Using education shifts are not the answer to balance our budget; while Governor Dayton originally proposed a 50 percent shift Republican leaders were able to negotiate with him for a lower shift. Through diligent budgeting, and reduced spending we have a surplus this year, and in compliance with state law those funds go toward replenishing reserves as well as paying back the education shift. It is important that we continue to manage the state budget well, and not spend more than we have.
This year we are going to do what many businesses want government to do: identify, scale back and eliminate excessive costs, regulations and other obstacles that hinder job creation. The Senate and the House passed four lawsuit reform bills to help Minnesota businesses. These bills were supported by, Republicans and Democrats as well as the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, and numerous small business owners. It was unfortunate to see the Governor vetoing bi-partisan bills that would help business owners and the economy. I sincerely hope that the governor will join the bi-partisanship shared at the legislature in efforts to help our job creators. He said he wanted to in his address, but we have yet to see the governor joining his Democratic and Republican colleagues in support of job growth bills.
I was glad to see that we agree on creating jobs, improving education, and government reform. It is my hope that we can work together moving forward, and get Minnesotans working again.
