I had a busy week last week and did not get a posting up about last weeks program which aired on June 8th . In that program I visited with Ann Mosey, Executive Director of the Northfield Arts Guild, and we discussed the impact the arts have on the local and regional economies. I apologize for not letting you know as I was preparing for the end of the school year, and my retirement form teaching, as well as out door knocking in support of the Governor. You can listen here to the archived program.
This week I am going to try something a little different. Rather than bring you an actual guest in the studio I am going to play for you some comments by Rep. Ann Lenczewski. Rep. Lenczewski is a Democrat serving in her 7th term at the Minnesota State Legislature. She represents Bloomington a very competitive district. For four years 2007 through 2010 she served as the Chair of the House Tax committee. I consider her one of the most honest and knowledgeable Representatives on the issue of taxes. You will soon see she has a point of view, one that I agree with and I think most Minnesotans do. She is one of the most respected and trusted legislators by those on either side of the aisle.
As chair of the tax committee she would argue her point of view but welcomed all to speak their minds. I think you will find her a persuasive speaker, who truly represents the values of Minnesota. I hope you enjoy this program with some of Rep. Lenczewski’s comments about taxes and cuts and the impact on our state. I truly admire her commitment advocating for a fair Minnesota tax code.
Among the things the current debate seems to be stuck on is something that these excerpts really did not address and that is the relationship of State and local taxes because of Local Government Aid and the interplay of local and state expenditures. The State legislature, in a bi-partisan way, a number of years ago put in place a philosophy that the whole state could benefit from an approach that did a better job equalizing investment rather than letting each local entity take care of itself. We are a high income state, but those incomes are not evenly distributed. A way to deal with that is to use the income tax collection as a means to invest in the whole state. It is my opinion that this worked out well for Minnesota. But the current Republican Majorities are trying to turn back the clock on that effort, which ultimately I think will make us over all a less prosperous state with fewer opportunities for everyone. But let’s save that as a topic for next week.
You can listen in at 6 pm Wednesday June 15th KYMN radio 1080 AM or check out the archived link after that date to listen at a time that suits you by clicking here