Dear Neighbor,
Our nation’s crisis of illegal immigrants is reason for concern on its own. What’s even more alarming is Democrats in full control of the Capitol are pushing to make Minnesota a sanctuary state, prohibiting state or local government from cooperating with federal immigration agencies. This will only further entice the resettlement of illegals in Minnesota.
While the Democrats certainly would like to make Minnesota a sanctuary state in one swift motion, they also realize it’s not what most people want. So, instead of one big bite at the apple, they are bent on nibbling it to the core.
Does this sound familiar? Maybe it does because it’s similar to the approach Democrats are taking to deal our cherished Second Amendment a death by 1,000 paper cuts. In this case, they are paving the way to sanctuary state status in Minnesota by enacting driver’s licenses for all, automatic voter registration, free college, and incentives to NOT go to work. This already makes us a magnet for people who unlawfully entered our country. Prohibiting state or local government from cooperating with federal immigration agencies would be the clincher.
Aside from social costs, there are serious questions about how much of an actual fiscal cost Minnesota taxpayers suffer to support people who are in our state illegally. House Republicans offered an amendment on the floor this week to clarify the New American Grant Program does not apply to illegal residents, but House Democrats turned that down.
I can’t believe it needs to be said, but Minnesotans’ tax dollars should not be going to people who are breaking the law to be here. The fact the majority refuses to address this issue speaks volumes about the misplaced priorities across the aisle.
Even if it doesn’t appear full-on sanctuary state law will pass into law this session, it’s beyond crucial we restore balance at the Capitol because, if we don’t, all bets are off for next year.
GREATER MN AMBULANCE FUNDING
Minnesota’s Emergency Medical Services face a staggering $120 million shortfall that threatens our emergency response system and puts the lives of Minnesotans at risk. House Republicans this week hosted a press conference to address this issue and call for additional funding. Democrats have allocated just $16 million in their $500 million supplemental budget to address this problem. On the other hand, they are spending at least $730 million for an extravagant remodel of their own office building.
Where are the priorities across the aisle? It’s time to start putting the lives of Minnesotans over frivolous spending like a palace for politicians.
TAX DAY
Tax Day was this week. While the income tax obligations for most Minnesotans have now been met, people continue to feel the pain of increased everyday tax burdens thanks to the decisions made by a Democrat-controlled state government.
Last year, Democrats raised taxes on Minnesotans by $10 billion despite an $18 billion state surplus and continue to find new ways to take more money out of family budgets. Of the $10 billion in Democrat tax hikes, only $3 billion of it has gone into effect. This means if you’re already having financial problems, brace yourself for more. For example, one-party Democrat control voted to make everything you order more expensive. Their new delivery tax takes effect in 11 weeks.
In just one year we went from a record surplus to a projected deficit thanks to Democrats' reckless spending spree. It is sad to say that, under full Democrat control, our state government is no longer a good steward of Minnesotans’ tax dollars.
With rising gas, groceries, mortgage rates, and energy prices, Republicans continue working to eliminate wasteful government spending so we can deliver permanent tax relief for Minnesota families to help you afford everyday necessities. This includes fully eliminating the state tax on Social Security after Democrats broke that promise despite a historic surplus. We also propose a bill (HF4826) providing seniors with two homestead credit refunds instead of one to even out their cash flow.
I will continue advocating for common-sense solutions as we work to bring more balance to St. Paul.
Sincerely,
Ben