The Vikings won’t be winning a Superbowl this year,
The Cubs aren’t winning the World Series,
Thing 1 and Thing 2 haven’t cleaned their rooms without being asked
Dang, I can’t figure out why my feet are cold!
Wait, maybe this is it; both the Star and Tribune and the Pioneer Presshave taken positions against increasing Minnesota’s state sales tax via a Constitutional amendment. They even have solid logic for their opposition!
As the Democrat dominated House and Senate worked to develop a budget last year, they groped to find ways to not only spend a $2 Billion dollar surplus but to add additional taxes to support their never ending greed. In one of the most notable events of last session, they increased the gas tax by $.05 (and more to come) and created the largest single bill tax increase in Minnesota history. They were abetted in this act by several RINOs in the House, all of which have either decided to “retire”, have been unendorsed or look like they will be beaten.
One item that the Dems weren’t able to get through last year was an increase in the sales tax. Unlike Pelosi, they were able to count heads and, knowing that Governor Pawlenty would veto an increase, knew they couldn’t get the override done in the House. So, they took the back door. In Minnesota, the Legislature can bring Constitutional issues directly to the voters without going through the Governor. The Dems gathered darn near every constituentcy they could find, hunter, clean water, arts, parks, wetlands, fisherpersons and park enthusiasts, lumped them in a pot and said “let’s get an increase in the sales tax in the Constitution that you all can fight over how to spend.”
So here comes the two daily newspapers. Editorial sections that haven’t met a tax that they didn’t like. In fact, I can’t remember one that they have opined against, they like big government. But on this issue they say nyet. The reason both of them give is that while they support the desire to improve and fund all of the items included, they don’t believe doing it in the Constitution and tying leglislator’s hands, is the right way to do it. They believe that Legislators should be accountable for the State’s budget.
While I can’t agree with their support of the various issues (Don’t the “Arts” have patrons anymore?), I do agree with their conclusion and the reason for it! Congrats to the Star and Tribune and Pioneer Press for getting one right!
Excuse me while I go and find my insolated socks!
