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Budget Proposal

Friday, January 25, 2013

Oakdale Lawmakers Say Governor’s Budget a 'Step in Right Direction'

Gov. Mark Dayton unveiled his budget proposal Tuesday.

Oakdale's DFL legislators, part of a new majority at the Capitol, say the governor’s proposed budget is a good starting point. Dayton on Tuesday unveiled a proposed state budget and tax plan that would, among other things, lower Minnesota’s sales tax but broaden it to cover more items such as higher-priced clothing, car repairs and other services. He says it would also eliminate the state’s $1.1 billion budget deficit and balance government spending and revenue over the next two fiscal years. Sen. Susan Kent, who represents portions of Oakdale, viewed the governor’s proposal as a positive first step, noting in particular lower property taxes and a bump in education funding. “I appreciate the Governor’s work and leadership as we begin to …

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Wiger: Governor Takes 'Bold Steps' with Budget Proposal

Sen. Chuck Wiger discusses Gov. Dayton's budget proposal.

As we prepare to discuss Minnesota’s budget, and more specifically the education budget, we can begin by examining Governor Mark Dayton’s proposal for the 2014-15 biennium. The Governor starts the discussion by being honest about the choices we face. While protecting the middle class, he takes some bold steps in his education budget proposal: the proposal makes significant investments in E-12 education; proposes steps to stabilize education funding; creates a system, especially the funding formula, that is more flexible for districts and more transparent for parents. The Governor’s budget also repays the school shift by 2016.  In all, this budget creates better educational opportunities and outcomes for the children of our state:  As we …

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