The Taxpayers League of Minnesota

eUpdate 7/8/09

saral@taxpayersleague.org (Sara Linert) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:54:02 +0000

1. Be Careful Who and What You Vote For

2. Swimming is a Priority Over Fiscal Restraint in Some Cities

3. Anoka County Promotes Highly Subsidized Northstar Rail

4. Canada, A Low-Cost Place to do Business?

5. The Great Minnesota Get Together, Your Chance to Advocate for Smaller Government!

Be Careful Who and What You Vote For

philk@taxpayersleague.org (Phil Krinkie) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:40:28 +0000

As many Minnesotans packed up the car for their 4^th of July weekend few, if any, realized their independence had been dealt yet another blow. As they headed out to celebrate and reflect on that moment when the American colonies declared their independence from the British crown, Minnesotans were losing just a little more economic freedom of their own. On July 1^st, the state of Minnesota imposed two more tax increases.

Sales Tax Increase Goes Into Effect; Millions Spent on Pork Projects

philk@taxpayersleague.org (Phil Krinkie) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:03:50 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Phil Krinkie

Phone: (651) 294-3590

Legislative Leaders Complain About Unallotment but Vote to Increase Spending on Arts and Entertainment

ST. PAUL - While difficult decisions are being made on reducing state government spending in order to balance the state budget, special interests are about to receive millions in taxpayer dollars to spend for their pet projects. Thanks to the recently passed constitutionally dedicated sales tax increase for arts and outdoor entertainment, these groups will see an increase in spending while funding for health care and other state services are being reduced due to the $6.4 billion state deficit.

Taxpayers League Releases 2009 Legislative Scorecard

philk@taxpayersleague.org (Phil Krinkie) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:33:56 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Phil Krinkie

(651) 294-3590

Six legislators earn "Best Friend of the Taxpayer" award.

ST. PAUL – This week, the Taxpayers League of Minnesota releases their annual Legislative Scorecard for the 2009 state legislative session. The release marks the 13^th annual Taxpayers League scorecard which ranks Minnesota legislators votes on tax and state spending issues.

Great Minnesota Get-Together - Volunteers Needed!

saral@taxpayersleague.org (Sara Linert) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:48:02 +0000

The Minnesota State Fair is just around the corner and once again the Taxpayers League of Minnesota will have a booth! We're looking for volunteers to help at the booth and spread the message of holding the line on taxes and reforming state government spending.

The State Fair is August 27th-September 7th. Volunteer shifts are:

9am-noon

noon-3pm

3pm-6pm

6pm-9pm.

We need 2 volunteers for each shift, so email us today with your name and phone number to reserve your spot. You'll get one free admission ticket for every shift you work!

We can't wait to see you at the Great Minnesota Get-Together!

DFL Senate is Hypocritical on K-12 Funding Shift

philk@taxpayersleague.org (Phil Krinkie) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:25:08 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Phil Krinkie

(651) 294-3590

Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller Criticizes K-12 Shift That He Supported

ST. PAUL – State Senator Larry Pogemiller criticized Governor Pawlenty for his plan to shift K-12 funding in an effort to balance the state budget. In recent public comments on the policy, Sen. Pogemiller said the DFL State Senate majority is “against” the K-12 shift. In reality, Senate DFLers, under Sen. Pogemiller’s leadership, proposed the shift as part of their budget balancing bill, and Sen. Pogemiller even cast a "yes" vote supporting it.

The practice of delaying payments to school districts has been used by the legislature to help balance the state's budget numerous times before, dating back to 1980.