The Legislature is now back in St. Paul to begin the 2012 session. I look forward to building on the structural reforms we made in the last year. While we started 2011 with an over $5 billion deficit, we ended the year with an $875 million surplus due to these initial reforms. All of this was accomplished without raising the tax burden on hard-working Minnesotans.
Because we have a balanced two-year budget in place, we are able to fully focus on reforms that improve the business climate in this state. Our business climate still ranks 45th amongst the 50 states according to the latest Tax Foundation. The result of the failure over the last few decades to cultivate our business climate has cost much needed jobs for Minnesotans. I am hopeful that the governor will be amenable to helping us address this critical issue in 2012.
There are three common goals in our Reform 2.0 measures: restore confidence in the economy, improve education and health care, and transform government to make it more efficient and effective. As a result of these reforms, we will expand economic freedom for entrepreneurs, create career opportunities for Minnesotans, and cut excessive red tape to get government out of the way of job creators.
I will also be pushing for ways of paying back the delayed K-12 payments ahead of schedule. One way I believe this can be accomplished is through Racino at the horse tracks which operate in our state. Constructing a Racino in Shakopee would provide an influx of funds that could begin to accelerate the payment schedule to schools and the principal on our mounting bonding debt. Most importantly Racino legislation would spur our local economy by allowing a private business to provide construction jobs, expand the market for our agricultural economy, and create long term employment opportunities.
I have also authored a bill that will keep the Minnesota lottery and horse-racing tracks operational in the event of a state shutdown. I would prefer we never endure another shutdown, but we must ensure these self-funded industries remain open if history does repeat itself.
Your input continues to be a vital part of the reform process. I welcome ideas you might have to ensure your tax dollars are used effectively. I will once again be joining Sen. Al DeKruif for another round of “Office Hours” meetings Saturday, Feb. 4. This is a great opportunity to meet individually with Sen. DeKruif and myself to discuss the issues that are important to you. The meetings are set up in 15-minute blocks and we prefer you call (651) 296-5526 to set up an appointment. Walk-ups are welcome and will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Feb. 4 schedule is as follows.
Northfield: 8 to 10 a.m., Quality Bakery, 410, Division St. S. Lonsdale: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Lonsdale Library, 1006 Birch St. NE. Belle Plaine: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Kingsway Retirement Living, 815 W. Main St.
This is an exciting time in Minnesota’s history and we have an opportunity to do great things for our state this session. I will keep you posted on our progress in this effort.