House Republicans: A balanced approach at the Capitol

MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES REPUBLICAN CAUCUS

2013-14 LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Solutions that Work House Republicans took the lead and demonstrated that caring for Minnesota’s most vulnerable was a priority, prompting Democrats to modify their budget.

Prior to Republican efforts, Democrats had only accounted for a 4 percent rate increase in their budget, not a full 5 percent. Republicans secured the full 5 percent rate increase for caregivers of the disabled and older Minnesotans.

Respect for TaxpayersHouse Republicans respect hardworking taxpayers and voted unanimously against Democrats’ unnecessary tax increases.

Democrats ended up taking too much money from Minnesotans and Republicans told Democrats to give it back to hardworking taxpayers. As a result, the House voted to repeal Democrats’ new taxes on warehousing, telecommunications and commercial equipment repairs this legislative session.

Trust and Public ServiceHouse Republicans put public service before self-service and stood on the side of Minnesotans, voting unanimously in opposition to Democrats’ proposals for a $90 million office building for politicians and legislation designed to give lawmakers a pay raise.

House Republicans are accountable to you, the hardworking Minnesota taxpayer.

GOP lawmakerstry to block Senateoffice building

March 24, 2014KARE11

For the first time in a generation, state government is controlled by one party. Two years of one-sided lawmaking has led Minnesota down the wrong path.

Politicians Come FirstNew Offices for Politicians: Democrats snuck a provision into the 2013 tax bill to design a $90 million office complex for Senators. Spent wisely, those tax dollars could fill over 3.5 million potholes or employ more than 1,400 teachers.

Pay Raises for Politicians: Democrats placed a constitutional amendment on the 2016 ballot designed to increase salaries for legislators. They also approved a pay raise for the governor, constitutional officers and commissioners.

Historic Spending Increase: Democrats’ budget is the largest in state history, increasing spending by more than 12 percent. To put it in perspective, they increased overall spending by more than $1,500 for every man, woman and child in Minnesota.

MNsure’s troubles are leaving the poor stranded

January 15, 2014

You’re Paying MoreUnnecessary Tax Increases: Republicans solved a $5 billion budget deficit without raising taxes. Over the last two years, Democrats failed to prioritize spending and instead increased taxes and fees on hardworking Minnesotans by $2.4 billion.

Increased Property Taxes: Democrats promised to lower property taxes. Now, after an analysis by the Minnesota Department of Revenue, Minnesotans have learned they are facing the highest property tax levy in state history as they are set to rise by $125 million statewide. In addition, agriculture land property taxes have gone up by more than $116 million in the last two years.

Increased Daycare Costs: Democrats ignored pleas from small business owners and approved legislation that will force a unionization vote on in-home childcare providers. This would take taxpayer money intended to help low-income families and give it to union bosses, while also increasing childcare costs for moms and dads who work outside of the home.

$90 Million Office Complex

@mnhousegop.com/mnhousegop .com/mnhousegop.com/mnhousegop

Standards are LowerLower Education Standards: Democrats eliminated academic graduation requirements for high school students instead of giving our state’s future workforce the tools they need to meet our high standards. They also weakened the requirement that teachers pass a basic skills test before becoming licensed to teach in the classroom.

Weakened Health Care: Minnesota’s status as a national leader in health care is in jeopardy as a result of ObamaCare in Minnesota. Democrats spent $160 million to launch our state exchange, MNsure. In the process,1,600 Minnesotans had their private information compromised and 280,000 were forced off health plans they chose with doctors they liked. To top it all off, MNsure awarded $26,000 in bonuses to its executive staff during its failed launch.

ObamaCare simply doesn’t work for Minnesota. Enrollment in commercial health plans through MNsure is 80 percent short of what Democrats promised. Premium rates for women are increasing 41 percent. Over the next three years, ObamaCare will cost Minnesota schools an estimated $200 million.

4%

12% GOVERNMENT SPENDING

ECONOMICGROWTH

SPENDING FAR OUTPACES MINNESOTA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH.