2010-05-03 Legislative Update, April 28, 2010 Dear Neighbor, Only three weeks remain in the 2010 legislative session and the legislature has yet to begin addressing the remaining deficit. More alarming is that the majority has yet to make little progress controlling excessive government spending. Current budget proposals rely on one-time fixes and federal money. Even if we leave the 2010 session with a balanced budget, a more severe deficit will be waiting. We need to do the hard work of reforming the way Minnesota government does business. Structural reform is critical to solving the current deficit and to preventing future shortfalls. My House Republican colleagues and I have offered several positive reforms to bring cost-savings and long-term structural efficiencies. These include: zero-based budgeting, reducing the size and cost of the state government workforce and the Sunset Commission to review and retire unnecessary spending. These and other reform proposals have previously been blocked or ignored by the majority. It is time they were given a full and fair hearing. Our future financial stability depends on it. Minnesota’s future also depends on a strong free market and quality job growth. The legislature must continue to pass the pro-growth initiatives promoting opportunity and expansion by Minnesota job creators. The Jobs bill was a great first step. We cannot, however, stop there. Tax and regulatory reform, alongside structural reform for a balanced budget, will strengthen the economic foundation of this state. With an open door to economic opportunity, the hardworking people of Minnesota will put us back on track for recovery and growth. Now is not the time to settle on federal money and one-time fixes. It is time to uphold our responsibility to the citizens of Minnesota, by delivering the solutions for a balanced budget and free market opportunity they deserve. Sincerely, Tim
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