SAINT PAUL, MN – Representative Ron Kresha (R-Little Falls) issued the following statement regarding Governor Mark Dayton budget proposal:
“I have already heard concerns about the budget proposal and the impact on middle class families and businesses in my district. As one of my constituents pointed out, 'Now my work boots and haircuts will be taxed. How does that help me?'
“I was also disappointed that the Governor did not seriously address the reforms presented by the Education Funding Task force. The disparity between rural and metro education funding continues to be a problem that plagues rural school districts. The Governor provides additional funding, but the proposal lacks needed structural reform that would bring balance to education funding in this state. In addition, the Governor’s budget delays payback of the remaining school shift dollars owed to school districts until 2017.
“As we continue to discuss and debate the best path forward for the budget, I hope Governor Dayton will work to incorporate ideas from both sides to ensure that we reform education funding, and enact policies that will help foster growth in the private sector.”