Political Party

New survey finds Minnesotans want better return on tax dollars

A new survey released by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Tunheim Partners finds that the majority of respondents do not want state government to raise taxes. According to the survey, 63 percent advocated cutting overall government spending to balance the state budget. But interestingly enough, 6 out of 10 of the respondents also said they would be willing to personally pay more to improve services like K-12 outcomes, long-term care and ensuring Minnesota's infrastructure.

The poll also concludes that Minnesota is a "purple state" with voters evenly divided among Independents, Republicans and Democrats. When it comes to the 2010 gubernatorial election, the poll found that neither Democrats or Republicans have an advantage. It also found that Democratic and Republican legislators have a 59 percent disapproval rating. Meanwhile, Gov. Tim Pawlenty's job approval rating was 49 percent. Half of those surveyed said the next governor should have real-world experience and not be a career politician.

The random telephone survey of 602 respondents was conducted Aug. 4 to 6. All participants were screened to be likely November 2010 voters. The margin of error is plus-minus 4 percentage points. To learn more about the survey, click here.

Is someone to blame for failure to get St. Charles aid?

The Legislature's failure to pass $800,000 in aid that the city of St. Charles had been hoping for has some pointing fingers. The money would have made up for lost property taxes and sewer/water and electricity revenue from the North Star Foods, which was destroyed in a fire last month.

While lawmakers did manage to get money for the local school district and a sales tax exemption for the company to rebuild, the money for the city failed to win approval. The measure did win Senate approval but did not pass in the House.

In the wake of the disappointment, some politicians have been putting the blame on Rep. Steve Drazkowski, R-Wabasha, the bill's sponsor. Here is a link to a Winona Daily News article with some critical remarks by St. Charles Mayor Bill Spitzer. But in an interview on Tuesday, Spitzer said his comments were mischaracterized and that you can't blame one person for the bill's failure.

But Sen. Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing, was more than willing to take Drazkowski to task over the bill — along with the governor. Here is a link to today's story.

Seifert vows to push for veto on tax bills

House Minority Leader Marty Seifert paid a visit to Rochester yesterday, showing up at a networking event for Rochester Area Builders at afm Countertops. Post-Bulletin Business Editor Jeff Kiger was there and was kind enough to share his notes and a photo. (Joe Weis, owner of Weis Builders, is standing behind Seifert)

The Marshall Republican made clear he will recommend a veto on any tax proposals brought forward by Democrats.

"We're not going to gouge you for money that you don't have in the sock drawer for government programs," he told the crowd.

Seifert also vowed to fight two measures that have drawn concern among builders. The first involves bills that would make it easier for homeowners to pursue warranty claims against builders. He also pledged to fight any measures that would require business of all sizes to provide paid sick leave. In fact, Seifert said he would recommend the governor veto both those measures.

He added, "I can tell you that my caucus is very firm in believing some very basic principles. Number one is that we ought to live within our means, just as you do as a business."