When most of us don’t complete a task, or believe we don’t have it just right, we put in a little overtime. It is no different at the state Legislature. So if it takes a special session to begin reforming how this state spends our tax dollars, that needs to happen.

Some legislators and the governor support the status quo and still believe that more money is the answer to all of our problems. That will only put off the tough decisions. Minnesota is at a crossroads. We face an aging population, fewer taxpaying workers and a greater demand for state services. Raising revenue is not the answer. We will never have enough money to sustain the current level of programs; we must prioritize and restructure our spending not unlike what businesses and families have been doing for years.

Minnesotans, and in turn the Legislature, must think long term. If we want our children and grandchildren to have the same opportunities for success in Minnesota that we did, we cannot rely on the policies of the past. Raising taxes is not the answer. We appreciate the commitment of Rep. Rich Murray to balance the state budget by holding the line on spending and reforming the way we spend our taxpayers’ money.

David C. Olson

president Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

St. Paul