Reply #8: Actually, the state Constitution does not allow Minnesota [View All]

[dflprincess]

to run a deficit. The legislature has to balance the budget. Hence, all the cuts to so many services. Pawlently, of course, being one of those politicians who panders to the Minnesota Taxpayers League and took a "no new taxes" pledge. What this actually means is no raise in income taxes. In the 2003 session the DFLers in the state senate suggested an income tax raise for singles making $125,000+ and couples making $250,000+ but it was shot down.

Many cities, counties, and school districts have had to raise property taxes because of this stupid refusal to raise income taxes. (The state also raised fees for some services because, of course, "fees" are not "taxes" in the Taxpayer League's world - mostly you find the League opposed to any tax increase but they seem to especially hate the ones based on the ability to pay.)

I believe I heard that St. Paul, like many communities, is floating a referendum to raise property taxes and Randy Kelly said he's going to name the referendum after Pawlently.