Provided below is an update from Bill Hoffman in the Governor's office relating to tax increases and a recent poll saying Minnesotans believe that cutting spending is the best way to fix our deficit problems.

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Received via e-mail, Feb. 14, 2008

Good afternoon,

I have shared with you already this week comments related to the start of Session 2008 and the State of the State Address – and a key message is the Governor continuing committed to fiscal responsibility and holding the line on taxes.

He clearly stated – as widely reported – in his State of the State Address that increasing the taxes Minnesota’s hard working families and job-creating businesses already pay is not the answer to economic challenges, will not promote economic growth and expansion, and will harm our economic competitiveness.

We need to hold government accountable, be responsible with tax payer money and make government more efficient. Fiscal responsibility and holding the line on taxes will promote economic growth and expansion – raising taxes will do the opposite.

In November, we learned Minnesota was facing a deficit of $373 million. Two weeks from today we will learn the latest regarding our fiscal situation and most agree that the deficit will be larger.

Raising taxes is not the correct response to our economic situation.

I share the above not just to reinforce a position, but as preface to sharing a recent Survey USA poll (currently being reported in Minnesota Media) that illustrates Minnesotan’s agree with an economic approach of fiscal responsibility: we should cut government spending, be fiscally responsible and not raise taxes.

Asked how to balance the state budget, 58% responded “Cut Spending”.

You can access the complete results here: http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReportEmail.aspx?g=bfd2c8c8-90ac-4613-ab01-da8541368eb6

There are other results in the poll related to current transportation legislation. As I informed you the other day, the Governor is opposed to the legislation and its massive, overreaching tax increases. It appears Minnesotans agree that the DFL legislation is the wrong way to go on transportation.

Regards and as always, please contact me with questions on these or any issues.

Bill Hoffman

Office of Governor Tim Pawlenty

130 State Capitol

Saint Paul, MN  55155

Desk 651-296-7689

Cell 651-332-0745

Fax 651-296-0056