Letter: Legislator seeks thoughts on budget

• Rep. Rod Hamilton

Rep. Rod Hamilton R-Mountain Lake

Talk about it

On March 13, DFL leaders in the Minnesota Senate unveiled their ideas to solve Minnesota’s projected $6.393 billion budget deficit for Fiscal Years 2010-11.

I’m glad that another budget proposal has finally been submitted. We’ve been talking about the governor’s plan for weeks and weeks. Now that we have a budget proposal from the Senate majority, we can give it equal scrutiny and debate.

State economists also project Minnesota to face a $5 billion deficit during the next budget cycle for Fiscal Years 2012-13. According to a new law, both deficits — totaling $11 billion — must be eliminated by the time the Legislature adjourns in May.

Minnesota Senate Democrats want to accomplish this task largely through two provisions. First, they want to create $4 billion in new revenues by raising yet-to-be determined taxes over the next four years. The Senate Tax chairman said the tax hikes would likely not come from extending the sales tax to clothing and services.

The Senate majority would also cut state government spending by $5.1 billion over the next four years. This amounts to a 7 percent cut to every program, including K-12 education, health and human services, and public safety.

Now that another budget proposal has been brought forward, it is critical that you share your thoughts and concerns with me so I can best represent you in St. Paul. Feel free to call me anytime at 1-800-735-2463, drop me an e-mail at rep.rod.hamilton@house.mn, or send a letter to 209 State Office Building, St. Paul 55155.

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