1. Runaway Spending Fuels $1.2 billion Shortfall

2.  County-Owned Ballroom a Bust

3.  Obama Goes Nuts for ACORN

4. $18.8 Million Lanterns

5.  Join the Capitol Rally to Support the Spending Accountability Amendment

1. Runaway Spending Fuels $1.2 billion Shortfall

According to state budget officials’ comprehensive economic budget forecast this week, Minnesota will face a $1.2 billion deficit in 2010-11.  Early predictions are grim saying that number could swell to a staggering $5.4 billion in 2012-13.  The deficit will undoubtedly cause fireworks during the upcoming legislative session with Republican Governor Pawlenty and the Democratic-controlled Legislature clashing over how to balance the budget.

Governor Pawlenty aims to cut bloated spending while liberals (guess what?) favor raising taxes, stating the budget shortfall is a revenue problem.

To read more click here.

2.  County-Owned Ballroom a Bust

After relying on a glowing inspection report provided by the former owners of the Waconia ballroom, Carver County now faces the prospect of spending up to $200,000 tax dollars for a new septic system after a new inspection found that the ballroom’s current system is faulty. 

Carver County became the proud owners of the ballroom last year for the purchase price of $2.5 million taxpayer dollars.  More importantly, why is Carver County in the entertainment business anyway?

To read more click here.

3.  Obama Goes Nuts for ACORN

Even after the embattled Association of Community Organizations for Reform (ACORN) was brought to its knees following the release of undercover videos showing a couple posing as a pimp and prostitute receiving advice from ACORN employees on how to skirt tax laws and establish a brothel, ACORN is still receiving tax dollars from the Obama administration.

Congress was clear on the issue – no more federal dollars should flow to ACORN, but President Obama continues to look for ways to circumvent the ban and float money to the unsavory community organizers.

The federal government has poured more than $53 million into ACORN since 1994.

To read more click here.

4. $18.8 Million Lanterns

The Saint Paul City Council approved an $18.8 million plan last week to pay for a prettier Central Corridor light-rail line.  If finalized, the money would be spent on beautifying the rail line with twin-style lantern lighting and more trees.

St. Paul officials bragged that they have a way to cover the costs of adding a station and greening up University Avenue, but admit they are struggling to pay for police officers and firefighters.

To read more click here.

5.  Join the Capitol Rally to Support the Spending Accountability Amendment

 Please join the rally to support Governor Pawlenty’s Spending Accountability Amendment to cap state spending!  Let Minnesotans vote on the amendment to the state Constitution that would cap spending at the level of revenue actually received during the previous budget period.

With this amendment we can end state budgets that are based on hope, rather than reality!

What: Rally in Support of Gov. Pawlenty's Spending Accountability Amendment

Where: State Capitol Rotunda

When: Dec. 7, 2009 from 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.

For more information click here.