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Time to take back quality of life

To the editor:
It is time to take back our quality of life. Contact your legislator and tell them the proposed cuts go too far! Minnesota is ranked 7th in the nation in total taxation as percentage of income and 18th overall in revenues.
The problem is that we led the nation in tax cuts and rebates over the last five years, during a period of economic growth. Weíre in an economic downturn when demands for government assistance increase, but the Governor and others have shown an unwillingness to raise revenues to address those needs.
Instead, the State House has proposed reducing or eliminating funding for Minnesota Family Investment Program, health coverage, crisis nurseries, foster grandparents, after school programs, services for homeless families and so on.
The message is no new taxes and that the proposed budget is higher than last fiscal year. The analysis is misleading because it does not factor out state takeover of education, increased caseloads etc.
The other irony is that the state party that is touting no new taxes for the state budget shows no similar restraint when it comes to the federal budget. In fact, President Bush has proposed tax cuts for the rich, double digit increases for the military and record deficits. You might want to ask who is going to pay for the war against Iraq and why multi-billion contracts are given to Vice President Cheneyís former employment.ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ
The failed economic policies of the Republican Party have not only not improved the economy, but it is widening the gap between the haves and the have-nots, increasing poverty, and threatening our quality of life. If you are not convinced, contact your nearest non-profit or church and they will tell you how bad it has become in the last two years or read the unemployment reports. You can visit the Web site www.goodforminnesota.org to learn how devastating the proposed cuts will be.
Robert G. Walz
North Branch

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