Governor Dayton released his budget proposal this week, proposing $37.9 billion in state spending for the next two years—a 7.6% increase in spending paid for by an astonishing 11.9% increase in taxes. Governor Dayton has talked for several months about a balanced approach to the budget, so it’s puzzling that he would propose a budget that includes $3.7 billion dollars in tax increases and only $225 million dollars in cuts (a 16:1 ratio of tax increases to spending cuts). I have concerns with how his budget will affect middle-class families, job creators, and the education of our students.

Instead of working to streamline government and reduce spending, he is asking middle class families to foot the bill for billions of dollars in new spending. His budget would tax haircuts, car repairs, over-the-counter medicines, and for the first time ever, clothing.

 

92% of businesses in Minnesota file through individual tax returns and would be hurt by Governor Dayton’s tax hike on the “wealthiest 2%.” These businesses are our job creators, and many in the business community are worried that this proposed tax increase will cause jobs and economic activity to leave Minnesota. I firmly believe that the path to prosperity comes from fostering job-friendly policies rather than taxing small businesses and expanding the size of government.

One of my top priorities is paying back the school shift—a priority that has been supported by Republicans and Democrats alike with members of both parties proposing legislation that would pay back most of the remaining balance of the school shift. However, Governor Mark Dayton breaks his promise to end gimmicks by delaying paying back the school shift until 2017.

The Minnesota Legislature now has the task of debating this budget proposal, and I welcome your feedback and questions as we work towards a final budget that will hopefully make Minnesota a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Anna Wills can be reached by phone at 651-296-4306, and by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Mail can be sent to Rep. Anna Wills 225 State Office Building, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55155.

Cross-posted at Apple-Vallety Rosemont Patch