Minnesotans New Tax Burden

On Monday, 2/25 our state legislature passed the largest tax increase in Minnesota history. That's right, a $6.6 billion transit bill that will include an increase in the gas tax, vehicle registration tax, and a metro area sales tax. This all comes despite the fact the governor Pawlenty vetoed this bill previously. And what's worse, the vast majority of people in Minnesota did not support this bill. The numbers are absolutely stunning from this survey. Well over half the people polled were not in favor of raising taxes. There was also a majority of people who thought cutting spending was a priority over raising taxes. So what does this all mean to you and me. Consensus says that in the end, all Minnesotans will pay more - an average of $300 to $400 annually per household.

Our local Senator for Rochester, Dave Senjem, did vote against this bill. However, our two House representatives, Tina Liebling and Kim Norton, both voted in favor of this tax increase. Folks, if you read the poll numbers from the link above then its obvious that Liebling and Norton both declined to listen to there constituents. Is that who we want "representing" us? I know I don't, and I can promise you that I'll be campaigning against them during the next election cycle.