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Commentary: A legislative session to rebuild the middle class
By Eliot Seide 29 January 2013
| SOUTH ST. PAUL - Minnesota is poised to do great things this year. It’s the first time in 22 years that Democrats control the governor’s office and both chambers of the Legislature. This is Minnesota’s moment to finally fix the budget, raise fair revenue, and build an economy that grows good jobs and the middle class. |
Union members campaigned hard to win this trifecta. But we can’t bet on getting what workers need unless we make our voices heard. Our state Capitol is filled with a crop of new legislators who we need to meet. We need to make sure they understand that Minnesota is at its best when the middle class is strong. That’s why we need a budget that’s focused on improving the lives of middle-class Minnesotans with investments in education, a strong economy, and a fair tax system.
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| Eliot Seide |
A Budget for a Better Minnesota
Gov. Dayton’s “Budget for a Better Minnesota” is a good start. It raises more than $2 billion in new revenue to begin restoring $5 billion of cuts made during the last four years. His budget is honest, responsible, and fair. He’s honest about what he wants to buy with his budget, and he’s courageous about how he wants to pay for it. No more kicking the deficit down the road. No more gimmicks and games that pass the buck to future generations.
Here’s how Gov. Dayton’s budget helps the middle class:
Property Tax Relief. The governor’s budget provides a property tax rebate of up to $500 for homeowners. Combined with a new investment in Local Government Aid ($80 million) and County Program Aid ($40 million), it will greatly reduce the property tax burden on middle-class families.
Build a Strong Economy. The governor’s budget will strengthen Minnesota’s economy by building and maintaining our roads, bridges, and public transit. Those infrastructure projects will create good jobs and bring new businesses here.
Reinvest in Education. The governor’s budget delivers a significant increase in direct student aid for higher education and makes needed investments in the MnSCU system and the University of Minnesota ($80 million each) to train our workforce for the jobs of the future. His budget also provides quality early learning scholarships for 10,000 children, optional all-day kindergarten for 46,000 kids, and increases K-12 funding by $52 per student.
Create a Fair Tax System. Minnesota’s tax system is unfair and outdated. It’s rigged to favor rich individuals and big corporations, while shifting their burden onto the middle class. No more! The governor’s budget makes fairness a priority by asking the richest 2 percent to pay their fair share. Couples earning more than $250,000 and individuals earning more than $150,000 a year would pay more. His budget also closes corporate tax loopholes and lowers the state sales tax rate 20 percent, while extending the sales tax to high-priced clothing items over $100.
The governor’s budget is the first word – but not the final word. The governor knows none of us is as smart as all of us. We all need to work together to make the budget better and to move the state forward.
Budgets are not just balance sheets. They’re about our values. As Minnesotans, we expect fairness, responsibility and honesty. We expect a growing economy and a prosperous middle class. It’s time to show Minnesota what real progress looks like – when everyone pays their fair share.
Eliot Seide is executive director of AFSCME Council 5, a union of 43,000 workers who advocate for excellence in public services, dignity in the workplace, and opportunity and prosperity for all working families.
Middle Class Budget by the Numbers:
| $500 |
Every homeowner will receive a property tax rebate of up to $500 |
| 98% |
Percentage of Minnesotans who will see no income tax increase |
| 10,000 |
Children who will receive early learning scholarships |
| $52 |
Increase in K-12 school funding per student statewide |
| 85% |
Percentage of kindergarteners who will have access to All-Day K |
| 5,000 |
Additional students whose higher education will be more affordable |
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