Letter: Government not the answer

Talk about it

In response to Karla Bigham’s letter published Feb. 3: I agree that tough choices will need to be made in the upcoming session, but you fail to address the real reasons we are faced with the looming deficits. While reduced tax collection certainly plays into the current situation, these are a direct result of the failed Democratic policies facing many states today. Wasteful, unnecessary and entitlement spending passed on to an ever-shrinking segment of the population is the reason we are where we are. These, I agree, did not happen overnight, but have been the ongoing policies that are simply unsustainable and must be addressed.

May I remind you that it is not the job of government to create jobs; this only creates never-ending burdens on taxpayers. It is the job of government to create a positive environment the free market can thrive in. This is done through reduced taxes on business. Minnesota is currently ranked 43rd in the business tax climate with a 9.8 percent corporate tax rate which is third highest in the nation. Our state and local taxes are 12th highest at 10.2 percent and individual tax rate is 10th highest at the top rate. By lowering the corporate rate, more business will come to Minnesota. With lower state, local and individual taxes everyone keeps more of what they have, more is spent and demand is increased which creates more jobs.

The rail systems being proposed throughout the country will do two things: create short-term employment during construction and long-term burdens subsidizing their operation. There is not one of these systems anywhere is this country that has resulted in a return on investment. Now is not the time to spend more money on these types of projects just to look like something is getting done. Your task force should be directing attention on where savings can be made through spending reductions, not feel-good public works projects.

Minnesotans need to make the choice to change leadership and direction, which will result in less spending, taxes and burdens on future generations.

Dave Dunn

Cottage Grove

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