MSEA Issues/Events/Dates
A Mixed Session for Working Minnesotans
May 17, 2010
The 2010 Legislative session is over and the results are a mixed bag. First the good news. The Legislature passed two big pieces of legislation to create tens of thousands of jobs. The public works or “bonding” bill will create tens of thousands of new jobs and help rebuild Minnesota’s long-neglected public infrastructure. The angel investors tax credits from another jobs bill will go a long way toward putting more Minnesotans back to work in family sustaining jobs.
On the disappointing side, Governor Pawlenty blocked attempts at making taxes fairer for the middle class. According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue, the richest residents pay the lowest overall rate in state and local taxes. Both the House and Senate passed legislation to increase income tax rates for only the richest Minnesotans, with the revenue going to schools. Sadly, the Governor issued his veto stamp.
The “final deal” will preserve Minnesota’s health care system that keeps costs under control for everyone. But, there is a catch. The plan relies on money from the federal health care reform bill and will require our next Governor to sign off on receiving it.
Republican candidate Tom Emmer has already said he won’t sign off on the dollars; meaning thousands would lose health insurance and health care costs would go up for everyone. That’s why it is even more important to elect a Governor who shares our values and priorities.
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