1st Forum for Governor Candidates Makes Clear Line Who Supports Families, Businesses, and Taxpayers
By David Anderson
10/15/2009
The very first forum of gubernatorial candidates was just held and it makes it very clear the line of who is supportive of average families, taxpayers and businesses and who is not. Most DFL candidates talked what they have been attempting to do as legislators - tax the rich and anything else that is not already taxed and also what is already taxed. Republicans talked about the holding the line on taxes or cutting taxes and looking at creating jobs, reducing the size and scope of government, and emphasizes spending smarter not just spending more is what families and businesses have done and government should do the same.
Perhaps one bright spot from the Democrats is Senator Bakk -- who urged Democrats to take a hard look at why they've lost every gubernatorial race since 1983 -- said tax revenues aren't what has caused the state's recent budget woes. Finally a little common sense from the DFL side but we know that common sense will have to go out the window in order to get endorsed on the DFL ticket.
Marty Seifert, Tom Emmer and the other GOP candidates were right on in their comments and their positions. In short I think that they would all agree that we havent done enough to control spending, that too much of government is on auto pilot and by simply taxing and spending more is only going to compound the problem not resolve the problem of governments insatiable appetite to spend your money.
Minnesota already has the 6th highest income tax rate in the nation. Although Minnesotans already pay high taxes, this year the state legislature sought to increase the state's income tax rates across all income levels. If Governor Pawlenty had not vetoed the DFL tax bill, the highest state income tax bracket would have increased to 9.25%. In ten years our state budget has grown by 60%. The average Minnesota family now pays over $8,400 in state taxes, excluding property and local taxes.
Lets not forget that many of the DFL candidates for Governor voted to increase many other taxes as well Beer, wine, and spirits are some of the highest taxed products because, on top of sales tax, you pay "sin" taxes. The DFL passed a bill to increase beer taxes by an additional 180% taxes on a barrel of beer to go from $4.60 to $12.80. Fortunately again, Governor Pawlenty vetoed the legislation.
Also don't forget the nice gas and transportation fees that the DFL passed and effect every Minnesotan not just for the cars they drive but also in the goods and services that increased as the result of those increases. A 40% gas tax bump in addition to an excise tax, license taxes, and sales tax hike - I could do a full column again just on the costs of this legislation. Funny thing the politicians forget to tell you is that there is no such thing as a real tax on business. When you tax businesses those taxes are passed on to you and I as consumers or customers. If I can not then I as a business owner eat them or determine it makes no sense to stay in business any longer and close up shop.
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