Tag: MN03

Paulsen not entitled to his own facts

To the Editor:

Congressman Erik Paulsen released the following statement following the House of Representatives passed (sic) of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

“After more than 31 years, the House passed tax reform that will allow our economy to grow and benefit American individuals, families, and businesses,” said Paulsen.  “Tax reform for me is about one thing:  Restoring the hope for a prosperous future for ourselves, our parents, and — most importantly — our children.”

Paulsen to varying degrees, has committed to “alternative facts.” Continue reading “Paulsen not entitled to his own facts”

The House passed a dangerous gun bill

The extremely conservative U.S. House of Representatives has passed a terrible bill. It would actually make it legal for more dangerous and untrained people to carry loaded, hidden guns in more public places in every state. Only six Democrats voted yes. This government body would allow concealed-and-carry permit holders from other states that have lax gun-violence prevention laws to carry in Minnesota. Many of these states don’t even require permits to carry a gun. These Republicans are bending to the will of the gun lobby and considering a bill that will weaken our gun laws and make us less safe.

It’s hypocritical of Republicans who argue against federal government overreach to undermine the rights of states to set their own rules against gun violence. America’s worst gun laws would become law of the land. The Supreme Court has said states can regulate guns for lawful users. Continue reading “The House passed a dangerous gun bill”

New Facebook Video from Dean Phillips

Dean Phillips, one of three candidates running for DFL endorsement, posted the video below on his Facebook page December 5, 2017:

I’m running for Congress to inspire people to begin talking again. Let’s celebrate our differences. There’s much less that divides us than many would have us believe.
I hope you’ll take a moment to watch my introductory campaign video – and please share it if you’re ready to join me on the journey to make it happen. Thank you!

View the video here.

Commentary: Tax bill would hurt the middle class

The following commentary by Dean Phillips was posted on the Eden Prairie News website November 16, 2017:

I wholeheartedly support the stated goals of tax reform: simplifying the tax code, supporting small businesses and putting money back in the pockets of middle class families. I was optimistic that it might present an opportunity for bipartisan accomplishment.

My perspective on this issue is shaped in no small part by my experience as a job creator. As someone who has owned and managed businesses both large and small, I know that the best way to grow the economy and create good jobs is through increasing demand. And the best way to increase demand is to afford more resources to middle class families. It seemed that the politicians in Congress agreed. Continue reading “Commentary: Tax bill would hurt the middle class”

Tax you twice, ain’t it nice?

To the editor:

Under current law, you don’t have to pay federal income tax on money that you paid for state and local taxes — money that buys things like police, streets, schools.

Our representative to the United States Congress, Erik Paulsen, thinks that’s wrong. He voted this month for a tax law change that will make you pay federal income tax on some of the money you already spent on state and local taxes.

He wants to tax you twice.  Won’t that be nice? Continue reading “Tax you twice, ain’t it nice?”

Minnesotans, don’t forget about the tax bill

The following commentary by Lori Sturdevant was posted on the StarTribune website November 17, 2017:

Franken news is just one of the big things going on.

There’s never a good time, I suppose, to learn that one’s U.S. senator groped a sleeping woman while mugging for a camera. Still, it was particularly irritating to be interrupted with the news about U.S. Sen. Al Franken on Thursday just as the U.S. House was passing a mammoth tax bill that’s skewed against Minnesota and other high-tax/high-services states.

How’s an editorial writer supposed to summon readers to think high-minded tax policy thoughts when the day’s news is about other body parts?

That’s not a plea for pity — not entirely, anyway. It’s also a lament on behalf of the 250 people who crammed into the Minnetonka City Council chamber Wednesday night to hear from three DFLers who want to replace one of the architects of the House’s tax bill, five-term Republican U.S. Rep. Erik Paulsen of Minnesota’s Third Congressional District. Continue reading “Minnesotans, don’t forget about the tax bill”

Minnesotans raise alarms about tax bill

The following article was posted on the Workday Minnesota website November 26, 2017:

Recently, retired union members and friends brought their concerns about tax fairness and threats to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security to Republican Congressman Erik Paulsen’s office. Photo courtesy of Minneapolis Regional Retiree Council

EDEN PRAIRIE — Union members in Minnesota are among those raising objections as the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on legislation to cut taxes, threatening important public services and providing handouts to the wealthy.

A vote could take place in the Senate as soon as Nov. 30, according to several media sources. The House has already passed its own bill.

Recently, retired union members and friends brought their concerns about tax fairness and threats to Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security to Republican Congressman Erik Paulsen’s office. In an action organized by the Minneapolis Regional Retiree Council, a small group of Paulsen’s constituents delivered a letter to his office in Eden Prairie, while over 60 other people bannered at the street corner outside. Continue reading “Minnesotans raise alarms about tax bill”

Need more heart in this country

I strongly oppose the tax bill proposed by either the U.S. House or Senate without major modifications.

We need to protect and push forward with health care for every person in America.

We do not need more military, we do not need more tax breaks for the very wealthy, and we certainly do not need trillions more debt.

We need more heart in this country in caring for the most vulnerable.

My plan is to write Congressman Erik Paulsen about this regularly and hope he will listen to me — and all of his constituents.

Judith Potthoff, Chanhassen
Chaska Herald, November 24, 2017

Shifting wealth to the super rich

To the Editor:

The problem with politics today is that the truth is often hidden with half-truths.

Mr. Beaudette’s letter “Supply-side economics works” (Nov. 16) is a perfect example. He is correct that the federal tax revenues did increase dramatically during President Ronald Reagan’s years in office, and also during the term of President George H.W. Bush.

What he fails to mention is that national debt rose even faster during this period. Looking at the ratio of federal debt to the nation’s gross income, or gross domestic product (GDP), we see that it fell from 125 percent at the end of World War II to 30 percent by 1980. It rose during Reagan’s term, with the tax cuts, from 30 percent to 50 percent. Continue reading “Shifting wealth to the super rich”