In a speech before the Twin Cities North Chamber membership yesterday, Governor Tim Pawlenty shared insights on the current legislative environment.

Here are a few things he mentioned:

1. 92 percent of small businesses pay their taxes when they file individually, so a change in the upper tax brackets as proposed have a significant impact on those business owners.

2. Minnesota has a good education system, but it still works under a 1940s system of paying teachers based on longevity instead of performance.  This is significant since 85 percent of a District's budget goes to salaries.

3. The concept of universal preschool has merit, but we do not have unlimited resources. 

4. The State of Minnesota needs a rational, legal immigration policy.

5. The Governor's budget proposal includes a 9.3 percent increase in the State budget, largely based on the growth of revenues.  The Legislature's budget is falling in the 15-18 percent increase range and relies on significant tax increases.

6. There is no quick fix to the transportation problems we have worked ourselves in to over the past 20 years.  The Governor opposed new taxes, including a 5-10 cent gas tax increase.

Click here to read a letter the Governor forwarded to the Chamber following the event.

152 business leaders attended the event, supported by presenting sponsors Clear Channel Outdoor, Micro Control Company, Grand Casino.  M&I Bank and Lund Poured Walls contributed to the event.


www.clearchanneloutdoor.com


www.microcontrol.com


www.grandcasinomn.com