Slocum: Dayton's Budget Proposal Includes Smart, New Investments in Education

Editor's Note: The following is a letter from Rep. Linda Slocum (D-50A).

To the editor:

Governor Dayton recently released his budget proposal for the 2014-2015 biennium. The Governor’s proposal rejects shifts, tricks, and gimmicks—it would end an era of structural deficits.

Though I am still reviewing the proposal, Governor Dayton’s budget includes smart, new investments in early, K-12, and higher education. Investing in a world-class education system ensures Minnesotans will develop the skills for the economy of the future. This budget proposal also includes property tax reduction for middle-class Minnesotans. More money in the pockets of middle class homeowners will help drive job creation and economic growth across the state.

To ensure that our state’s businesses are competitive with those in other states and around the world, the Governor’s budget wisely reforms corporate tax code by reducing the corporate income tax rate, while closing unfair loopholes. 

The budget proposal also includes new investments to help Minnesota businesses export their products to other countries, move goods more efficiently, as well as other proven economic development programs. These initiatives will help create thousands of new jobs all across Minnesota.

Governor Dayton’s proposed budget will start robust discussions about what Minnesotans expect from their state government and what Minnesota needs to thrive in the future.

Throughout the session, please feel free to contact me with your ideas, questions, or concerns. With your help, I am confident that the Governor, my fellow legislators, and I will be able to create a final budget that works for all Minnesotans. 

You can contact me by telephone: (651) 296-7158, by email rep.linda.slocum@house.mn, or send me mail to 415 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155. To get my e-newsletter sign up here: www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/join.asp?id=15283

Sincerely, 

Linda Slocum

State Representative