House Republicans: A balanced approach at the Capitol
MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPUBLICAN CAUCUS
2013-14 LEGISLATIVE REPORT Solutions that Work House Republicans took the lead and demonstrated that caring for Minnesotas most vulnerable was a priority, prompting Democrats to modify their budget. Prior to Republican eforts, Democrats had only accounted for a 4 percent rate increase in their budget, not a full 5 percent. Republicans secured the full 5 percent rate increase for caregivers of the disabled and older Minnesotans. Respect for Taxpayers House Republicans respect hardworking taxpayers and voted unanimously against Democrats unnecessary tax increases. Democrats ended up taking too much money from Minnesotans and Republicans told Democrats to give it back to hardworking taxpayers. As a result, the House voted to repeal Democrats new taxes on warehousing, telecommunications and commercial equipment repairs this legislative session. Trust and Public Service House Republicans put public service before self-service and stood on the side of Minnesotans, voting unanimously in opposition to Democrats proposals for a $90 million ofce building for politicians and legislation designed to give lawmakers a pay raise. House Republicans are accountable to you, the hardworking Minnesota taxpayer. GOP lawmakers try to block Senate office building March 24, 2014 KARE11 For the frst time in a generation, state government is controlled by one party. Two years of one-sided lawmaking has led Minnesota down the wrong path. Politicians Come First New Ofces for Politicians: Democrats snuck a provision into the 2013 tax bill to design a $90 million ofce complex for Senators. Spent wisely, those tax dollars could fll over 3.5 million potholes or employ more than 1,400 teachers. Pay Raises for Politicians: Democrats placed a constitutional amendment on the 2016 ballot designed to increase salaries for legislators. They also approved a pay raise for the governor, constitutional ofcers and commissioners. Historic Spending Increase: Democrats budget is the largest in state history, increasing spending by more than 12 percent. To put it in perspective, they increased overall spending by more than $1,500 for every man, woman and child in Minnesota. MNsures troubles are leaving the poor stranded January 15, 2014 Youre Paying More Unnecessary Tax Increases: Republicans solved a $5 billion budget defcit without raising taxes. Over the last two years, Democrats failed to prioritize spending and instead increased taxes and fees on hardworking Minnesotans by $2.4 billion. Increased Property Taxes: Democrats promised to lower property taxes. Now, after an analysis by the Minnesota Department of Revenue, Minnesotans have learned they are facing the highest property tax levy in state history as they are set to rise by $125 million statewide. In addition, agriculture land property taxes have gone up by more than $116 million in the last two years. Increased Daycare Costs: Democrats ignored pleas from small business owners and approved legislation that will force a unionization vote on in-home childcare providers. This would take taxpayer money intended to help low-income families and give it to union bosses, while also increasing childcare costs for moms and dads who work outside of the home. $90 Million Ofce Complex @mnhousegop .com/mnhousegop .com/mnhousegop .com/mnhousegop Standards are Lower Lower Education Standards: Democrats eliminated academic graduation requirements for high school students instead of giving our states future workforce the tools they need to meet our high standards. They also weakened the requirement that teachers pass a basic skills test before becoming licensed to teach in the classroom. Weakened Health Care: Minnesotas status as a national leader in health care is in jeopardy as a result of ObamaCare in Minnesota. Democrats spent $160 million to launch our state exchange, MNsure. In the process,1,600 Minnesotans had their private information compromised and 280,000 were forced of health plans they chose with doctors they liked. To top it all of, MNsure awarded $26,000 in bonuses to its executive staf during its failed launch. ObamaCare simply doesnt work for Minnesota. Enrollment in commercial health plans through MNsure is 80 percent short of what Democrats promised. Premium rates for women are increasing 41 percent. Over the next three years, ObamaCare will cost Minnesota schools an estimated $200 million. 4 % 12 % GOVERNMENT SPENDING ECONOMIC GROWTH SPENDING FAR OUTPACES MINNESOTAS ECONOMIC GROWTH.