King Banaian

State Representative King Banaian of St. Cloud invites you to join him tomorrow (Saturday). He'll be at the Lincoln Depot at 11:30 a.m. for a public forum.

At least one local Republican lawmaker says Governor Dayton's budget balancing proposal includes too much spending, and not enough cutting. Dayton's plan calls for $2.28 billion in tax increases for the top earners, and only about $1 billion cuts.

The Minnesota House passed $1 billion in state budget cuts in a close vote. The bill passed on a 69-63 vote. State Representative King Banaian of St. Cloud was one of four Republicans that voted against it. He says he didn't feel there was enough discussion about the bill.

Representative Steve Gottwalt says Governor Dayton's plan to raise taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans will hurt small business owners. Meanwhile, Representative Banaian says he's lukewarm to the idea of putting together a bonding bill.

Three freshmen lawmakers from the St. Cloud area will be sworn-in tomorrow at noon. King Banaian, Tim O'Driscoll, and John Pederson take their oath of office right before the 2011 State Legislative session begins.