state + local

Anyone remember when the Mn sales tax was 4%. I do. Since then it has almost DOUBLED and I have no doubt that it will hit that double mark with this legislature. And, every sales tax increase was thanks to a democratic legislature!

I'm just so happy the Democrats are trying to find a long term solution. Pass the buck Pawlenty always just pushed the problem to other entities or to the next session.

The assumption is that people hate higher taxes. But based on the voter referendum of 2009, voters will pay higher taxes if they feel it provides them value. I think the basic difference between Democrats and Republicans is that Republicans don't value government nor the services it provides.

Really sad that the taxpayer-funded Republican caucuses are starting the new legislature by issuing highly personal attacks against the Ag chair. Does anybody - other than the staffers - really believe that's moving the state forward in any way, shape or form whatsoever?

This is a good start to the agenda. They need to add axing underperforming programs to fund new programs to the top of the agenda. This mindset will help to keep the budget balanced without adding new taxes.

Ahh refreshing. promising to help the people. Remember after the 2010 routing the DFL took all we heard from the goptp was marriage amendments, voter ID, right to work, abortion, and removing affordable healthcare for all US citizens.

I've noticed that The left have one theme in common. No matter how long the previous gov or president has been out of office, they still will blame him for the failure of the current administration! REAL leaders take the reigns and don't look backwards to blame. They take responsibility for their actions and their failures!

"REAL leaders take the reigns and don't look backwards to blame. They take responsibility for their actions and their failures!"

Apparently, only Democrats should do this. T-Paw, Bush and Co., etc. get a full pass — no matter how long the negative effects of their governing linger.

I love the blame Pawlenty crowd. Governor Pawlenty reduced a $6 billion deficit in difficult economic times to $1 billion and you libs want to blame him. That is rich since the deficit was almost all a result of years of DFL legislative dominance in St. Paul. If history is a guide, the result of this DFL legislature will be higher taxes and a greater long-term structural deficits.

beebee82 "Apparently, only Democrats should do this. T-Paw, Bush and Co., etc. get a full pass — no matter how long the negative effects of their governing linger." No where was that said. The idea is to quit blaming and just move on. Sure would be nice if this could be addressed without, again, playing the blame game.