In our great state, the DFL is now in power with Gov. Dayton and majorities in the House and Senate. I have a question for them: Why is the solution to most real or imagined problems in our state to raise or create new taxes?
They are leaving no tax untouched: gas tax, cigarette tax, liquor tax, clothing sales tax, etc. — and the cornerstone, in the spirit of President Obama's class warfare, raising income taxes on the rich.
Comparing Minnesota's taxes to other states, we rank right up there with New York, California and Illinois, which have deficits comparable to Greece and Cyprus. Minnesota is 12th in all state taxes per capita $3,564. We're sixth in state income tax, 19th in gas tax, sixth in corporate income tax.
My son, who is in the flooring business, told me there is a proposal for a reclamation tax on carpeting. In the past with Gov. Pawlenty, then later with Republican majorities in the House and Senate, we did well at managing our budget. Now it appears we can't take care of our "needs" without new taxes.
A byproduct of higher taxes is businesses leaving for South Dakota and Mexico, thus diminishing our tax base.
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Arlen Books
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