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East side should demand the tool |
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TO THE EDITOR:
At the Economic Summit for Chisago County on 2-23-08, I learned Governor Pawlenty acts like a man paid by Wisconsin.
Two cases illustrate his loyalties.
One: Pawlenty vetoed a bill in 2007 that would have “equalized” the taxes for companies building in Minnesota instead of Wisconsin.
As a result, businesses moved to Osceola Industrial Park instead of Chisago County. Speakers estimated more than half the businesses in the Osceola Industrial Park would have stayed in Minnesota if our property, corporate and workman compensation taxes were “equalized.”
In one case, Wisconsin gave a company $100,000 for research. Minnesota offered zero. In another case, a business saved $50,000 in workmen’s comp insurance by building in Wisconsin instead of Minnesota. In another case, Iowa got three plants.
Two: The West side of Minnesota has “equalized” tax status but Chisago is denied this powerful competitive tool. Why does Governor Pawlenty discriminate against the East side of Minnesota in favor of Wisconsin? It’s a mystery.
Clearly, Minnesota should create an “Economic Free Zone” for all of Chisago County and stop jobs going to Wisconsin. East side lawmakers, voters and business owners should storm the governor’s office and demand the East Side get this competitive tool. All is can think is, “Shame on you, Governor Pawlenty.”
Tom O’Mara
Stacy
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