Reps. Gottwalt, Banaian On WJON’s Legislative Review Program
ST. CLOUD -- State Representative State Gottwalt of St. Cloud says Governor Dayton's plan to raise taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans will hurt small business owners.
Dayton campaigned on a pledge to raise taxes on the highest earners, in an effort to balance the state's $6.2 billion budget deficit. He didn't shy away from that plan during a speech last (Thursday) night in front of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Republicans gained control of both the State House and Senate on a campaign of balancing the budget through no tax increases, and mostly budget cuts.
Meanwhile, State Representative King Banaian of St. Cloud is lukwarm to the idea of putting together a bonding bill this session. He says it has to be a low priority.
Normally, the State Legislature only does a bonding bill in the even numbered years, and they work on balancing the state budget in the odd numbered years. However, they did put together a bonding bill in both 2009 and 2007.
The WJON Legislative Review program will air in the 9:00 a.m. hour every Friday through the State Legislative session. Next week's guests are Representative's Tim O'Driscoll and Larry Hosch.