A month into the 2015 Legislative Session, House and Senate Republicans are making it feel like the movie “Groundhog Day,” where the same things happen over and over again.

“The House Republicans’ first bill of the session would provide businesses with tax breaks,” said DFL Chairman Ken Martin. “When it comes to funding repairs to Minnesota’s roads and bridges, Republican are looking to shift money around rather than look for a fair solution to this problem.

“It seems like deja vu. The Republicans keep doing the same thing expecting a different result, which is shortsighted. The Republicans keep playing the same play over and over again, putting special interest before governing for the best interest of all Minnesotans.”

In contrast, Gov. Mark Dayton has proposed a state budget prioritizing children and families. Through his “Excellent Education for Every Student” proposal, Gov. Dayton would invest in statewide pre-K for four-year olds; eliminate the HeadStart wait list; and provide free breakfast for all pre-K-3 students. Families would benefit from the Governor’s proposal to expand the Child and Dependent Care Credit as well as improve access to high-quality child care for low-income families.

Gov. Dayton has also proposed a plan to build the infrastructure necessary for our expanding economy.

“More than half of Minnesota’s roads are more than 50 years old and 40 percent of the state’s bridges are 40 years old,” Martin said. “This is placing a burden on commuters and businesses. Figures show that poor road conditions cost motorists an extra $1.2 billion in vehicle repairs each year. Traffic congestion alone cost business owners $232 million each year in additional freight costs.

“If businesses do not have access to an educated workforce and safe and efficient roads to move their goods from manufacturing to market, they will leave our state. Minnesota families deserve better.”

Martin said hopefully Minnesotans won’t have to relive the Republican rhetoric for too long before they finally understand what it takes to move Minnesota forward and make things right for Minnesota families.

2015 DFL budget · children · Gov. Dayton · Ground Hogs Day · Mark Dayton · Minnesota House Republicans · tax breaks for business · women

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