Making Tough Choices, Setting Priorities, and Reforming the State Budget

To the editor:

Gov. Dayton, Minnesota House, and Senate leaders each released budget proposals that include a mix of high-impact investments, smart reforms, and targeted budget cutting. A thoughtful approach to the budget this year will improve Minnesota’s economic competiveness and eliminate the state’s structural budget deficit.

The House proposal gets Minnesota back to the basics:

1. Repaying our schools and investing in our kids. The previous legislature borrowed $2.4 billion from our schools. Our budget will pay back our schools in full by 2015. We also know the key to a thriving economy is a strong educational system. Our proposal also invests $700 million in pre-kindergarten, K-12 schools, and will make post-secondary education more affordable.

The state has insufficient revenue to secure a bright future for Minnesota. I’m prepared to support some new revenues to pay for investments in areas like education, workforce development, and finally balance our state budget that has been running a decade-long structural deficit. Currently, the debate we’re having at the Legislature centers on finding the right combination of revenue, cuts, and reforms.

I’m pleased that Gov. Dayton’s most recent proposal has dropped a business to business sales tax request and is now seeking roughly only 50 percent of the new revenue compared with the original request. If Minnesota’s economy continues to recover, then even less revenue will be needed to balance the state budget and make essential investments in education and job training.

Throughout the budget process your feedback is appreciated. Please contact me by telephone: (651) 296-9934, by email: rep.john.benson@house.mn, or by mail: 417 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.

Sincerely,

John Benson
State Representative
Minnetonka-Plymouth