The Inside Scoop from Rep. Pat Garofalo

THE INSIDE SCOOP from Representative Pat Garofalo—12/5/2012
 
- UPDATED BUDGET FORECAST SHOWS FULL BUDGET RESERVES, SURPLUS NOW...BUT DEFICIT LATER
- WHAT ELECTIONS MEAN FOR OUR AREA
- HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

UPDATED BUDGET
The updated budget information is a case of good news, bad news.  The good news is the budget reserves for our state our full and there is a 1.3 billion dollar surplus for the current budget ended June 30, 2013.  This surplus will automatically go towards paying back money borrowed from schools.  This will reduce the money owed to schools to their lowest level since 2008.  The not so good news is that there is a projected 1.1 billion dollar deficit projected for the next budget.  However, considering that two years ago the deficit was projected to be over 6 billion dollars, that is obviously a sign that things are going in the right direction. Here is a link to the forecast.  http://www.mmb.state.mn.us/doc/fu/12/summary-nov12.pdf 

ELECTIONS PUT DEMOCRATS IN TOTAL CONTROL
The results of the 2012 elections were that voters have given Democrats total control over Minnesota government for the first time in 22 years.  Over the last 8 years, I and others have successfully defended our area from many tax increases that targeted Farmington or the townships of Dakota/Goodhue county.  While I will continue to fight against these measures, it highly unlikely I will be able to stop them.  Bills to raise property taxes (transit property tax), increase the Dakota County sales tax, and expand the sales taxes to more things are almost guaranteed to pass into law.  I'm holding out hope that the proposals to raise income taxes won't happen - but honestly it is only a hope.  Income taxes will be increased - and not just on the so-called "wealthy". The reality is this.....elections matter.  Regardless of your political persuasion, most people recognize that when one party has total control - bad things happen.  In Minnesota, bad things are about to happen. 

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS 
On behalf of Julie, Alex, and Abby and I, we wish your family a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and a enjoyable holiday season.  We pray that God blesses you with wisdom to focus on your family, faith, and friends - while rejecting the false promises of an increasingly materialistic society.  As always, feel free to contact me if I can help with anything. 

ABBY'S JOKE OF THE MONTH 
Q - Why can't a bicycle stand up by itself?.....
A - Because its two-tired.... :-) 

As always, it is an honor to serve as your State Representative.  Thank you!  

Rep. Pat Garofalo
Chairman Education Finance Committee
District 36B
537 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
(651) 296-1069 
1-888-667-3337