Dick Borrell Response
2
Question 2: Overall, Minnesota's economy is the
strongest it has been in years. On the agenda are issues such as
living wages, labor shortages,
welfare-to-work, and the changing economy in Greater
Minnesota. What do you feel the most pressing challenges will be?
How will you address them?
The biggest challenge I see in the economy is reducing the impact of
state spending! With annual spending of $16.5 billion we are spending
over $7,100 for every man, woman and child in Minnesota. For a family
of 4 our state now spends over $28,400! Consider the following budget
facts:
State spending went up almost 12% from the last budget!
Education spending went up 14.8%.
Health & Human Services spending went up 17.6%.
Property tax aid/credits went up 12.5%.
And Higher Education went up 10.7%.
Our cost of Minnesota government is over 18% of all personal income in
Minnesota!
The problem is that our legislature cannot control spending! That is
the single biggest threat to our economy! We've grown our state
budget faster than the rate of inflation since 1983. That is why
Minnesotans are now the 4th highest taxed state in the US.
Given that Dick Borrell would support:
1. Reducing state spending without reducing services. We would change
the initiative of department managers to be more efficient, not reward
bigger budgets! 2. Looking at areas of our government where
privatization would save millions of dollars without eroding services.
3. Budgeting for a 2% real reduction in state spending for each of the
next 4 years. That would save us taxpayers $2.6 billion or $600 per
person. 4. Continuing programs to help everyone who cannot help
themselves. 5. Growing wages by growing the business climate and
retaining Minnesota businesses. 6. Pushing for optional "No-Fault"
auto insurance, saving the average Minnesotan 25-35% on their auto
insurance premiums. 7. Work to lower our high tax status and allow
more businesses and employees to reap the rewards of being a
Minnesotan citizen.
Dick Borrell would oppose:
1. Any increases in the Minimum Wage.
I have much more to share about our economy but I'm respecting the
300-word limit.
Prepared and Paid for by BORRELL FOR GOVERNOR, Mike Wanchena,
Treausrer 4859 US Hwy 12 SW, Waverly, MN 55390 (612) 658-4102
Fax (612)658-4102
