Four legislators earn "Best Friend of the Taxpayer" award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Phil Krinkie

Phone: 651-294-3590

ST. PAUL - This week, the Taxpayers League of Minnesota released their annual Legislative Scorecard for the 2010 legislative session. The release marks the 14th annual Taxpayers League scorecard which ranks all Minnesota legislators on key tax and spending votes.

To earn the "Best Friend of the Taxpayer" award, a Representative or Senator must score 100%. This years award winners are Rep. Bruce Anderson [R-Buffalo Township], Rep. Mark Buesgens [R-Jordan], Rep. Steve Drazkowski [R-Wabasha], and Sen. Ray Vandeveer [R-Forest Lake].

The Taxpayers League's annual Legislative Scorecard is Minnesota's most authoritative ranking of state legislators on fiscal issues. It provides an accounting of each year's votes, and also provides a lifetime score for legislators that have served multiple terms.

Taxpayers League president Phil Krinkie says, "This year's scorecard demonstrates that the vast majority of state legislators are not prudent with taxpayers' dollars. The scorecard is a valuable asset for the voters; it provides clear information on the spending choices our elected representatives make." Krinkie added, "Taxpayers can easily discern from the scorecard who's voting to increase taxes and who is holding the line on state spending. It's a great tool to hold legislators accountable with a quick glance at their score."
This year's scorecard also thanks Governor Pawlenty for his commitment to not raising taxes. Taxpayers should be grateful to Governor Pawlenty for working to achieve a balanced budget without a tax increase during these difficult economic times.

The legislature in 2010 attempted to increase income taxes, raise corporate taxes, and add millions of dollars in wasteful spending. But in the end, because of Governor Pawlenty's diligence, they passed a balanced budget bill without a tax increase.

In addition to the four legislators with perfect scores, ten legislators achieved scores of 90% or better. They are Rep. Bob Dettmer [R-Forest Lake], Rep. Rod Hamilton [R-Mountain Lake], Rep. Joyce Peppin [R-Rogers], Rep. Marty Seifert [R-Marshall], Rep. Dan Severson [R-Sauk Rapids], Rep. Ron Shimanski [R-Silver Lake], Sen. Debbie Johnson [R-Ham Lake], Sen. Mike Jungbauer [R-East Bethel], Sen. Warren Limmer [R-Maple Grove], and Sen. Claire Robling [R-Jordan].

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