Friends and neighbors,                                                                                                               
Budget Forecast

A $1.3 billion budget surplus was reported by the Minnesota Management and Budget office  last week. This surplus reinforces one of my main principles – lowering taxes is effective for taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned money, thus improving economic activity and frequently this also generates increased government revenue as in this year. 

Democrats believe in increasing taxes in order to increase government revenue. It does, but at the expense of your checkbook so taxpayers have less money and economic activity is reduced thus lowering government revenue and a vicious cycle ensues.

We absolutely do not need to keep raising taxes on Minnesotans. Instead, increasing accountability and responsibility from agencies that serve the public ensures that you receive value from your government for every tax dollar spent.

With this surplus comes responsibility and opportunity. Since government was fully funded in our last two year budget, I propose lowering tax rates even more, stop taxing all social security income (currently partial), use cash for roads and bridges. You may have other ideas and I am glad to hear them. 

Climate Change Subcabinet

Last week, the Governor held a press conference to announce a new executive order establishing the Climate Change Subcabinet and the Governor’s Advisory Board on Climate Change. The Governor’s Advisory Council and new Subcabinet are tasked with identifying policies and strategies in order to enhance the climate resiliency of Minnesota’s natural resources, working lands, and communities.

Climate change has many reasons. You can read about several theories in a publication by The Heartland Institute here. So often anthropogenic is presented as the only reason. However, there are several theories including anthropogenic global warming, bio-thermostat, cloud formation and albedo, human forcings besides greenhouse gases, ocean currents, planetary motion, and solar variability. 

In addition, I am disappointed and find it unfair that Governor Walz has ignored Greater Minnesota representation. This subcabinet is made up of people from the cities and will be a metro-focused plan.  What happened to Gov. Walz’s  One Minnesota? 

Gov. Walz is adding another layer of government and expenses that come with it at a time when current state agencies are repeatedly wasting taxpayer funds and being mismanaged. Better to use his time convening a cabinet meeting on waste, fraud and abuse. 

I appreciate your feedback. You can reach me at 651-296-5655 or sen.mary.kiffmeyer@senate.mn.

Sincerely,

Mary