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1. Phil Krinkie Star Tribune Editorial Printed on 12/10/08
2. Become a Taxpayer Watchdog
3. Local Officials Crying Wolf in Wake of State Budget Deficit
4. Two Months of No Income Taxes!
5. This Christmas, Give the Conservative in Your Life a Gift
1. Phil Krinkie Star Tribune Editorial
Responding toMinnesota's budget crisis, Dane Smith of the liberal think tank Growth & Justice offers "three fundamental facts" to support tax increases to solve the state's $5.2 billion shortfall. Unfortunately, Smith's opining is unsupported by economic principles. His "if government just spends more solution" is at odds with economic reality.
To read the rest of Phil's column, click here.
2. Become a Taxpayer Watchdog
On December 10th, Douglas County Commissioners and staff gathered to discuss their 2009 budget and the tax levy needed to cover its costs. These Truth in Taxation hearings happen yearly, yet rarely does the public show up to hear how their taxes will be spent at the local level. This year, Douglas County Commissioners were in for a surprise when nearly 70 people showed up for the hearing, and showered them with questions and complaints for an hour and a half about property tax increases and what seemed to them to be a bloated budget.
We are proud of those Douglas County residents who went to the meeting. Showing up and asking questions is the beginning of local government accountability. Just think what would happen if county and city officials across the state all of a sudden had to actually be held accountable for their tax and spend habits?
That’s why the Taxpayers League wants to help you start your own Local Taxpayer Watchdog group. Stay tuned to our website as you’ll soon see info on how to start your group and how the League can help. Email us today if you’re interested in getting started.
3. Local Officials Crying Wolf in Wake of State Budget Deficit
In comments regarding the state’s $5.3 billion budget deficit, Governor Pawlenty said he’s considering a reduction in local government aid. Cities are scheduled to receive aid totaling $280 million at the end of December. If the state were to not send out that aid, it would cover 65 percent of the current 2009 budget deficit of $426 million.
Local officials are crying wolf, saying there’s absolutely no way they can balance their own budgets if their is a reduction in state aid. But what local official would ever say, “That sounds good; we don’t need our state aid.” They have become very used to state government handouts.
Local officials are saying that if the LGA spending is reduced it would mean cutting police and other public safety spending. But that’s just a scare tactic because as in all government budgets, often times there is wasteful spending that is not for essential services. Remember a few weeks ago we wrote about certain Anoka County Commissioners’ outrageous expense reports? When it comes to government, you can be sure there’s pretty much always questionable spending that can be re-prioritized especially in tough economic times.
4. Two Months of No Income Taxes!
Last week, Rep. Michelle Bachmann latched onto legislation to give taxpayers a two month holiday from their income taxes. That’s right, legislation has been introduced to convert the infamous $700 Billion Bailout Bill’s remaining $350 billion into a tax holiday where Americans would not have to pay their income and FICA taxes for all of January and February of 2009. Now there’s a good idea if we’ve ever heard one.
Congresswoman Bachmann is one of the few members of Congress who consistently is fighting against wasteful government spending and increasing taxes. Despite the Twin Cities media determination to end her tenure as a member of Congress, we applaud her continued efforts to keep the taxpayer's bottom line in mind while she votes in Congress.
5. This Christmas, Give the Conservative in Your Life a Gift
Consider a contribution of $25 to the conservative in your life. With your donation they will receive a card acknowledging your gift along with our weekly email updates. We promise it’s the hardest-working gift they will receive this holiday season!
The Taxpayers League fights to protect your wallet every day by fighting for lower taxes, limited government, and free markets. We rely solely on donations from businesses and individuals. Giving a gift of $25 to this fight will help us continue this fight. Click on the “donate" tab at the top of this page. Also send us an email with the contact information of the recipient of your gift so that we can send them the card and eUpdates.
Donations to the League are mostly tax-deductible for business contributions. Because of our lobbying efforts, individual donations are not tax-deductible. Donations may also be mailed to our address below, or given via credit card over the phone by calling 651-294-3590. |
