Political Party

Taxpayers League scorecard not kind to Roch Democrats

The Taxpayers League of Minnesota has released its annual legislative scorecard. The scores are based on whether or not lawmakers voted for legislation deemed by the organization to be unfriendly to the taxpayer. In many cases, that involves whether or not a lawmaker supported bills with tax increases.

The report card did not have a favorable view of most DFLers — especially in Rochester. On a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 considered a perfect score, no Rochester Democrats received a rating above 13. In southeast Minnesota, the lawmaker with the lowest score was Sen Steve Murphy of Red Wing who netted a 0. 

Rep. Gene Pelowski of Winona was the highest ranking Democrat with a score of 47. That is in large part due to his voting against the DFL tax increase proposals. 

The report heralds Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty and former House Minority Leader and potential gubernatorial candidate Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, as the "2009 Heroes of the Taxpayers" for standing up against tax increases.

Here is a look at ratings for Southeast Minnesota lawmakers. To look at the Taxpayers League's full list, go here.

Senate

Sharon Erickson Ropes, DFL-Winona — 21

Ann Lynch, DFL-Rochester — 7

Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing — 0

David Senjem, R-Rochester — 57

Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin — 14

House

Robin Brown, DFL-rural Austin — 7

Greg Davids, R-Preston — 80

Randy Demmer, R-Hayfield — 80

Steve Drazkowski, R-Wabasha — 87

Tim Kelly, R-Red Wing — 87

Tina Liebling, DFL-Rochester — 13

Kim Norton, DFL-Rochester — 13

Gene Pelowski, DFL-Winona — 47

Jeanne Poppe, DFL-Austin — 27

Andy Welti, DFL-Plainview — 13

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."