State Budget
May 6, 2013
The old defined benefit model is not working and I have lost confidence that it can be saved. These pensions are supposed to be a secure, prudently managed retirement savings vehicle for public employees. Instead they are a political tool.
Apr 30, 2013
Someone should ask Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL – Golden Valley) why he would reduce his preferred minimum wage from $10.55 by 2015, when he argues that businesses would not suffer from paying more for minimum-wage workers.
Apr 25, 2013
Do personal income tax rates matter? See my friend's calendar for an answer.
Apr 3, 2013
There is much mischief at the state Capitol these days. One item you would not hear about but for our dogged devotion is a small but important transparency law that is about to get quietly cut.
Mar 18, 2013
In their Sunday editorial, the Pioneer Press highlights American Experiment's recently released report on state spending, "Minnesota Spending 101."
Mar 14, 2013
I dare say, 32% in less than six months is not small. Remember, in July 2009 when the federal minimum wage rose from $6.55 to $7.25, teen employment fell by 8%.
Mar 11, 2013
My visit to the Capitol was disturbing yesterday, hence the long email. I drove out of Saint Paul fearful that we are becoming incapable of governing our own lives, and that a majority of Minnesotans will use their vote to elect people who want to run our lives for us.
Feb 28, 2013
First, the effect on jobs held is only one part of the story. Second, many of the proponents of the higher minimum wage argue that low-wage workers receiving higher wages will lead to more spending and more growth.
Feb 19, 2013
President Obama, in his State of the Union address this month, proposed raising the minimum wage to $9.00 an hour. As recently as 2006 that rate was $5.15, and has been at its current level of $7.25 only since July 2009. The next day, as if not to be outdone, two Minnesota state legislators proposed raising Minnesota’s minimum wage to $9.50 per hour from $6.15 presently. (Minnesota businesses currently follow the federal minimum.)
Jan 31, 2013
Minnesota earned an unfavorable mention at the end of this Wall Street Journal article on states that are positioning themselves for growth and success by lowering their tax burden, even dropping the income tax in favor of a low, broad based sales tax.