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 Minnesotas
most vulnerable was a priority, prompting
Democrats to modify their budget.
Prior to Republican eforts, 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 Taxpayers
House 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 Service
House 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 ofce building for politicians
and legislation designed to give lawmakers
a pay raise.
House Republicans are accountable to you,
the hardworking Minnesota taxpayer.
GOP lawmakers
try to block Senate
office building
March 24, 2014 KARE11
For the frst 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 First
New Ofces for Politicians:
Democrats snuck a provision into the
2013 tax bill to design a $90 million
ofce complex for Senators. Spent wisely,
those tax dollars could fll 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 ofcers 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.
MNsures troubles
are leaving the
poor stranded
January 15, 2014
Youre Paying More
Unnecessary Tax Increases:
Republicans solved a $5 billion budget
defcit 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 Ofce Complex
@mnhousegop .com/mnhousegop .com/mnhousegop .com/mnhousegop
Standards are Lower
Lower Education Standards:
Democrats eliminated academic
graduation requirements for high school
students instead of giving our states
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:
Minnesotas 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 of
health plans they chose with doctors they
liked. To top it all of, MNsure awarded
$26,000 in bonuses to its executive staf
during its failed launch.
ObamaCare simply doesnt 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
ECONOMIC
GROWTH
SPENDING FAR
OUTPACES MINNESOTAS
ECONOMIC GROWTH.