ST. PAUL – A group of nine non-partisan, non-profit organizations that formed an informal coalition earlier this year to solve the state’s $6.4 billion state budget deficit has produced a plan that closes the funding gap without raising taxes – in fact, it actually eliminates some taxes. The group’s proposal was introduced at a press conference at the Capitol today.

Lasting Reforms and Tax Breaks Instead of Hikes

The coalition gathered proposals from policy experts and ordinary taxpayers to help identify opportunities to restructure state spending, and then collaborated to put the ideas into practical solutions. The result is a16-page document that solves the budget deficit using existing resources and doesn’t require federal “bailout” money or new taxes.

The budget solution document, titled “Real State Budget Reform” includes recommendations to save the state $6.6 billion through restructuring and greater efficiencies. It also suggests “revenue-neutral” reforms that the group believe will improve Minnesota’s overall economic situation, resulting in more revenue for the state in coming biennia. 

“This is more than just a band-aid,” said Phil Krinkie of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota, “this is budgeting reform that will have a lasting positive impact on the state’s economics.”  The budget solution document is being distributed to all state legislators and to the governor.

“Minnesotans are outraged that their elected officials are once again contemplating raising their taxes,” said Jeff Davis, president of Minnesota Majority.  “It seems some lawmakers just aren’t getting the message.”  The organization announced that it will be delivering an audio CD each week from now until the end of session with voice mail messages from angry taxpayers demanding cuts in government spending.

All state legislators are also being invited to sign a form stating that they will put spending cuts ahead of tax increases in the effort of balancing the state’s budget.  “We are going to make sure that voters know which lawmakers refuse to make this simple commitment to their constituents,” said Davis.

Members of the coalition include: Associated Builders and Contractors, Minnesota Family Council, Minnesota Free Market Institute, Minnesota Majority, Freedom Foundation, the Minnesota chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, Taxpayers League of Minnesota, and Campaign for Liberty.

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