by Mike R.
Member since:
November 19, 2007

Where should cuts be made?

November 21, 2008 04:14 PM UTC
views: 0 | comments: 14

Gov. Tim Pawlenty and legislative leaders are already predicting that Minnesota's state budget will have a "substantial, multi-billion" dollar deficit, according to Gov. Pawlenty.

In two weeks the state will reveal official projection numbers. Until then legislative leaders are already talking about the future of the state's budget.

If the budget cuts must be made, where should they be made? Are there any areas where expenditures should be increased?

Mike Reszler
Managing Editor - MRP.org News

Comments: 14

Dusty W. Nov 21, 2008, 4:59pm UTC
I have a lot of friends from MN and they are always complaining about their bloated government. I'm not really sure how true it is, but if the government is planning to cut something, hopefully they cut the right thing. Most of the money, something like 40% from what I understand goes to education. Hopefully that doesn't get hit.

What are possible areas to get chopped?
Paul Cartwright Nov 21, 2008, 5:08pm UTC
It wouldn't be a big start, but cut Capital Projects first including money for the U of M Stadium. Then trim the U's budget significantly, why should we subsidize one of our most expensive schools when over the last decade they have squandered so much money on projects like the over budget Coffman Memorial Union?
Paul Cartwright Nov 21, 2008, 5:10pm UTC
http://www.budget.state.mn.us/budget/summary/fba/080605_fba_detail.pdf

This link will show you where the money goes.
Dave Ritsema Nov 21, 2008, 5:13pm UTC
You're asking the wrong question (education has taken its share of hits - mostly because the cost of energy and health benefits for staff has gone out of control). The question should be, how can we create new tax revenue to maintain the quality of life that Minnesotans are proud of. The cost of oil is less than half of what it was a year ago. How about increasing the gas tax. Even a small tax on industries currently NOT taxed would help. And what has Pawlenty done to attract and maintain the corporate tax base in Minnesota? I wish Pawlenty would be man enough to come clean with specifics on what he thinks is a waste of taxpayer money. He rags on public education all the time, but he doesn't offer positive solutions. Is he working with the TC mayors on this issue, or is he just continuing to make these condescending decrees as he has in the past?
Paul Cartwright Nov 21, 2008, 5:30pm UTC
I am not advocating a hit on education, simply on the bloated funding of the U which has decided to misspend it. Over the last decade, the cost of tuition has gone up over 100%, and Minnesotans pay the second highest tuition rate in the country. If they want to do something, have the U fall in under MNSCU, and put the money into the hands of students through increased scholarship funding, instead of into the hands of people wanting to build a ridiculous Alumni center. Also, taxes are high enough in this state, it is government spending that is out of control. Why give them more money when they have proven to be so fiscally irresponsible?
Tim Nelson Nov 21, 2008, 5:31pm UTC
As someone who is unemployed for the first time in 29 years, I can say the following with a straight face.

Put most of the school day on-line.
Paul Cartwright Nov 21, 2008, 5:31pm UTC
You raise a really good point on the corporate tax.
Tim Nelson Nov 21, 2008, 5:32pm UTC
Any job openings at MPR?
Tim Nelson Nov 21, 2008, 5:34pm UTC
I think they need two Tim Nelsons, is all I'm saying.
Paul Cartwright Nov 21, 2008, 5:37pm UTC
What industry do you work in Tim?
Tim Nelson Nov 21, 2008, 5:47pm UTC
Custom photofinishing.

Yup, pretty much obsolete. Need to branch out.
Winston Smith Nov 23, 2008, 6:06pm UTC
What should be cut is the first billion of surplus that was spent last session without any restraint. Pawlenty let the kids blow a billion before he put on the brakes. Cut that first.

Why must business and the family budgets make hard choices and cuts but when governement has to cut back or not get their yearly increase there is wailing and gnashing of teeth?

"cuts" in government usually mean they don't get their full increase for the coming year.
Greg Schiller Nov 24, 2008, 3:53pm UTC
Most of the money, something like 40% from what I understand goes to education. Hopefully that doesn't get hit.

Why shouldn't education take 40% of the hit?

There is plenty to cut in Eduction.

1) Cut all travel outside the state.
2) Cut all conferences - period. Including and especially "MEA weekend".
3) Cut grants and aid to Minneapolis and Saint Paul Schools until such time as they bring their classrooms in line with their classes.
4) Move to a community supported sports model instead of a school supported sports model.
5) Reform special ed. (put SOME sanity in it).
6) Start with funding the core skills: reading, writing, math, biology....etc then move the arts to a community supported model instead of a school supported model, similar to sports.

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