Viewpoint: Dayton budget a good one -- for Wisconsin

Our economy is improving, businesses are investing, consumers are showing confidence, and our unemployment rate is down, so why are we going to upset the apple cart? Because the projected $1.7 billion additional revenue forecasted is just not enough to spend.

It is not any surprise that the Dayton budget proposal, released on Jan. 22, has a plethora of new taxes. What is really disappointing is the lack of real reform, simplifications or eliminations of any current tax codes.

Overall, the governor wants to increase the cost of doing business in Minnesota. Instead of adapting his title, “Budget for a Better Minnesota,” we should be calling this “A Budget for a Better Wisconsin.” After all, it will be easy for many small business owners to close shop in Woodbury and move seven miles east to Hudson, Wis.

I certainly don’t want to see this happen, but the unintended consequences of increased taxes on income from the state augmented by the new federal tax increases along with the current proposals to up the minimum wage with automatic inflation increases … well, you are smart – do the math!

Another transit tax is also being proposed. Right now, Washington County residents pay an extra sales tax into CTIB. The new proposal doubles the tax to pay for additional light rail and commuter rail lines throughout the metro area. 

You can find the details on the Minnesota Management and Budget website. Follow links along right hand side, “documents” and then “agency level narratives,” find out how the proposed budget will impact you and your family.

As you can tell, I am not happy with this budget, but the proposal is not surprising either. Please keep in mind this is a work in process. I encourage you to contact your legislators and voice your opinion on how the budget should be shaped. Look for my opinion survey in your mailbox next month as well; it is important that I hear from you as I represent the district at the capitol.

Kieffer, a Woodbury Republican, represents House District 53B in the Legislature

Tags: opinion, viewpoint, column