PRESS RELEASE
Monday, May 23, 2011

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Conservative Coalition: Not a Penny More Minnesota Majority, Republican Liberty Caucus, Taxpayers League and Tea Party united against Dayton's "Tax and Spend" plan

St. Paul - "Not a penny more" was the unifying message from a coalition of conservative organizations at a Capitol press conference on the last day of
the year's legislative session. Minnesota Majority was joined by the Taxpayers League of Minnesota, the Republican Liberty Caucus and the North Star Tea Party Patriots to stand in solidarity against Governor Dayton's plan to increase state government sending by 22% and increase taxes to make Minnesota the highest-taxed state in the nation.

The legislature has proposed a balanced budget that increases state spending by 12% without raising taxes, but the governor, desiring a tax hike and even more spending has characterized the plan as making "drastic cuts."

"I think it takes a special understanding of math to call $4 billion more in state spending 'drastic cuts'," said Minnesota Majority's executive director Dan McGrath.

The Taxpayers League of Minnesota called the legislature's proposal a responsible budget plan. Phil Krinkie, president of the League said, "There is no such thing as an all cuts budget. It's double-digit growth."

Minnesota Majority's Soup Truck, a metaphorical prediction of lost jobs and increasing government dependency, if Governor Dayton's plans are adopted, was at the press conference to end it's month-long trek across the state.  The Soup Truck travelled 3,800 miles visiting 65 communities, distributing cups of soup and pamphlets warning that higher taxes will mean fewer jobs.  It also collected over 350 pounds of food to be donated to local food shelves to help those who are already experiencing hard times.

Soup Truck Driver Rick Brock said he'd heard from people from all over the state who characterized Dayton's plan to raise taxes in our present economy as "insane."

The 2011 Tax Incidence Study from the Minnesota Department of Revenue found that even though Governor Dayton insists his tax increase plan will only affect 'the rich,' it would actually impact people of all income levels. "It will hurt the very people the governor says he's trying to help," pointed
out Norann Dillon, speaking for the Republican Liberty Caucus.

The North Star Tea Party Patriots are disappointed that the proposed budget is as large as it is. Speaking for the group, Cindy Pugh said, "We sent our legislators here to cut spending and to reduce the size and scope of government." She said it was a missed opportunity, but expressed relief that
the legislature didn't propose raising taxes.

"We're here today with a $34 billion balanced budget without having raised taxes - and that's a good thing for job creation and prosperity in Minnesota," she said.

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