It was my honor and my pleasure to host Gov. Tim Pawlenty in the House chamber as he delivered what will be his final State of the State Address. I applauded his statement that it is our citizens and job creators - not government - who have the answers to lead us back to prosperity.
The governor stressed budget/economic issues and the importance of helping Minnesotans get back to work. He issued a six-part proposal to help improve our business climate, which currently is one of the country's worst. Coincidentally, we attempted to expedite a job stimulus bill on the House floor Monday, but the democrats denied our effort.
The bill we wanted to pass would gradually phase out Minnesota's corporate income tax to attract new businesses while rewarding existing businesses for staying in Minnesota. This bill phases out the corporate tax rate by 1 percent annually and the alternative minimum tax at the same rate. This would provide much-needed relief to area businesses hit hard by the economic downturn and encourage expansion, providing more jobs for Minnesotans.
A metro newspaper recently published an op-ed piece explaining how our high business income tax is regressive because the tax is passed along to consumers and workers. A number of legislators must have missed this confession of a Democrat: www.startribune.com/opinion/commentary/83673327.html.
The good news is the bill is still alive and I will let you how things develop.