December 10, 2008
"Deficit Calls for Job Creation, Economic Stimulus"
By Kathy Saltzman for the Woodbury Bulletin (MN)
It is estimated that 41 of the 50 states are expecting to face budget shortfalls next year. Despite the fact that according to the Tax Foundation, Minnesota ranked 46th in terms of federal tax dollars received back per tax dollar paid, Gov. Pawlenty has reacted cautiously to the plan.
The foundation's report shows Minnesota received only 72 cents for every dollar sent to the federal government in 2005; however, neighboring North Dakota ranked sixth and received $1.68 for every dollar their taxpayers paid in.
We should be looking to do whatever we can to ensure that our state gets the help it needs to jumpstart our economy and grow well paying jobs in the most promising emerging technologies. We shouldn't turn away a federal economic stimulus plan at a time when struggling families need it.