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1.Will the Real Taxpayer Protection Pledge Signer Please Stand Up!
2.Farve’s Retirement Could Help Protect Minnesotans Wallets
3.Tip Credits Benefit Workers, Employers, and Customers
4.Selling the Public Debt - $860 Million in Minnesota State Bonds Go onSale
5.Deficit Spending Federal Aid on its Way to Minnesota to Prop Up Programs
6.The Truth Behind the Ads – Labor Unions Funding Unveiled
7.Pork Politics and Minnesotans Pastimes
1.Will the Real Taxpayer Protection Pledge Signer Please Stand Up!
Senator Paul Koering placed a reelection campaign ad in The Morrison County Record in District 12 which gave the appearance that he has been endorsed by the Taxpayers League of Minnesota. Koering made use of a letter sent out to all republican legislators in 2009. The Taxpayers League of Minnesota does not endorse candidates, but does support candidates who sign the Taxpayers Protection Pledge. Paul Koering did not sign the Taxpayers Protection Pledge. Koerings rival in the August 10th primary, Paul Gazelka has signed the Taxpayers Protection Pledge.
Read about it here.
2.Farve’s Retirement Could Help Protect Minnesotans Wallets
In Minnesota Vikings’ stadium news, over $400 million in taxes may be coming to pay for the new Vikings stadium. If the Vikes get their way, the state government will subsidize two thirds of the cost for the new stadium. Sen. Thomas Bakk notes that a good showing this fall could be just the ticket the Vikings need to soak the taxpayer later on in the legislative session.
Read more here.
3.Tip Credits Benefit Workers, Employers, and Customers
Minnesota is one of just seven states that require employers to pay tipped employees the full state minimum wage on top of any tips they receive. Tip credits are a simple system that keeps costs down for businesses, prices low for customers, and more employees on the payroll. But Minnesota eschews that way of doing business, allowing no tip credits for any employers. As a result, Emmer said, "Minnesota's menu prices are comparable to California and New York," states with far higher costs of living.
To read all about it click here.
4.Selling the Public Debt - $860 Million in Minnesota State Bonds Go onSale
The largest ever issuance of public debt by Minnesota is occurring next week. $860 million in bonds go on sale on Tuesday to finance the ongoing wasteful spending of state legislators. The Northstar Rail will receive funding. Education, infrastructure, transportation, and environmental projects will be funded by the enormous bond package.
The debt will be paid at 3.4% interest over a period of 20 years for a total of nearly $1.7 billion
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To find out more click here.
5.Deficit Spending Federal Aid on its Way to Minnesota to Prop Up Programs
Minnesota is due to receive $430 million in federal deficit spending coming out of Congress’ emergency session. The state aid package will prop up medical assistance programs and education. Without concern for where the money comes from, Sen. Bakk welcomes the influx of deficit spending for its use helping the state “bridge its cash flow problems”. Rather than cut back on outlays and programs, we’re taking money from the feds that they don’t have to fund wasteful spending that we don’t need.
Read more about the bailout money here.
6.The Truth Behind the Ads – Labor Unions Funding Unveiled.
This year’s pre-primary election cycle has seen left leaning groups out raise right leaning groups nearly three to one. The labor unions have opened their pocket books to feed attack ads through your living room televisions this summer and fall. Business interests and the interests of fiscal conservative values are lagging behind the over $2 million raised by the other side with only $850,000.
To check the bottom line click here.
7.Pork Politics and Minnesotans Pastimes
Eagan and Woodbury made John McCain’s list of the top 100 pork barrel projects coming from the use of federal stimulus money. The two cities are using $1.8 million federal dollars to add heating to their ice rinks. At a time when many Americans are out of work these misdirected expenditures are unfortunate. "There is no question job creation should be a national priority, but torrential, misdirected government spending is not the way to do it," wrote senators McCain and Coburn in the report's introduction.
For a sampling of the pork platter click here.
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