Dayton Dustbowl: Missed Opportunity?
By Mitch Berg
It’s been two weeks, almost, since Governor Dayton submitted his budget proposal.
The proposal, which jacks up taxes on “the rich” by adding the highest state income tax in the nation on people who make over half a million a year, stil has no DFL sponsor in the legislature.
None.
Let’s make sure we’re clear on this: in the wake of the Tea Party and the most glorious drubbing the DFL has ever sustained in its entire history, not a single DFL Rep or Senator has so far affixed their name to a bill that would jack up taxes on “the rich” (and, eventually, everyone – since “the rich” that don’t leave the state will pass on the tax burden to their customers, since most of them are small businesspeople).
Not a single DFLer, so far, seems to be enthusiastic to have their name tied to a vote on this job-killing, tax-jacking, inflation-pumping, tax-base-sapping budget (which would, by the way, leave the real rich, like Mark Dayton and his plutocrat supporters, untouched;their income is from dividends and capitol gains on their portfolios. Mark Dayton will never pay 13.95% on his income; the oncologist taking care of Grandma will, though).
I think a Republican – one from a very, very safe seat – should do the job for them.
I think a Republican from a bullet-proof rural seat should sponsor the Dayton budget (and spend the next year explaining why – and yes, I will drive to wherever he or she serves and go door to door to help, if need be – just to help avoid any complications).
And I think the GOP-controlled committees involved should pass it right through, so it can go to the floor immediately for a binding, highly-publicized, up-or-down vote.
I think we should let the DFL show their pride in and support for Governor Dayton. I think they should show how unified they are!
I think we should let the DFL walk the walk. I think we should let them all, every one of them, show how happy they are to make you pay for A Better Minnesota.
I think we should give DFLer the chance – indeed, the imperative – to explain why they voted to make their constituents work ’til they’re 70 so that government employees can retire at 55.
Whaddya say, MNGOP? Anyone wanna make the DFL put all that HopeyChangey BetterMinnesota talk where their votes are?
February 28th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
If the bill gets a sponsor and gets ramrodded through by the Republicans, as you suggest, it might result in the DFL disappearing to another state in order to escape their own party.
It’s an interesting image. Where do you run to when you can’t escape yourself?
February 28th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
“Where do you run to when you can’t escape yourself?”
To Mad Mark’s closet!!!!
February 28th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
Wont be needed now, Mitch.
With the rosier budget forecast, Dayton has reduced some cuts and pulled back the 3% ‘tax the crap out of them evil rich people’ tax. I expect a couple of Dems to sponsor his budget this week, citing those changes.
February 28th, 2011 at 3:41 pm
Got an email from ISD 281’s Legislative Action Coalition. First they detailed the proposed spending in the Governor’s Budget as if it matters to anyone but the parakeets now reading it. Then they list several opportunities to meet with “our” legislators – DFL all of course – plus special guest former Sen. Steve Kelley, the legend in his own mind.
It sounds like they’re following your plan. No need to even talk to a Republican so far.
February 28th, 2011 at 5:28 pm
It sounds to me like a family gathering where the kids are all afraid to go near the wack-a-doo elder relative.
Kinda the “be very careful, don’t get any on ya” syndrome. Or, maybe they’re just hypcritical cowards.
February 28th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
I talked with Rep Mazarol (41B) when I ran into him in Starbucks last week, who is a frosh, and I looked at him and asked him if he was willing to bring it to a government shutdown if necessary. His response was less than pleasing, we need to make sure these GOP freshman understand that if they don’t show a spine we will primary them in 2012. Tell your GOP reps to not blink because I’m scared they might.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:04 pm
Oh, and Hazelden better keep a warm bed for governor Moonshine.
February 28th, 2011 at 9:31 pm
Governor Abercrombia in Hawaii says — raise taxes on the poor and retired people!
Abercrombie, 2009 ACU rating 0:
“Abercrombie proposed an additional $2.7 billion in new capital improvement project spending for construction repairs to the state’s aging buildings and infrastructure. He is also recommending cutting in areas such as Medicaid, which would lose $75 million over two years, and creating revenue by imposing new taxes on pension income, timeshares, soda drinks and alcohol.”
http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/articles/2011/02/28/local_news/local03.txt
February 28th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
Terry, at least you guys have nice weather. We have 4+ feet of snow on the ground now.
March 1st, 2011 at 7:37 am
Ben;
I worked on Maz’s campaign and my neighbor held a fundraiser for him, so I would be interested to hear what he told you. Frankly, it surprises me that he would not force the shutdown if necessary.
March 1st, 2011 at 9:00 am
If the Gov’s budget bill does not have a sponsor, is it even a bill to be considered? Can the Gov force the legislature to consider a proposal?
March 1st, 2011 at 9:24 am
Terry, a little bird tells me they’re building a new observatory up there. You know anything about that?
Sounds like the wife and I will be making a trip over there this summer to hang with the Puerto-Rican, maybe we could hook-up.
March 1st, 2011 at 10:51 am
Swiftee, email me at velocette@gmail.com.
March 1st, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Ben, I wish we still had that much snow on the ground.
March 1st, 2011 at 1:06 pm
boss, he basically said he doesn’t think it will come to that, that they will be able to work out a deal with Dayton. I was left speechless at his optimism.
March 1st, 2011 at 1:06 pm
boss, he basically said he doesn’t think it will come to that, that they will be able to work out a deal with Dayton. I was left speechless at his optimism.
March 4th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
[…] had no idea that when I suggested last week that… …a Republican from a bullet-proof rural seat should sponsor the Dayton budget [and […]