Legislature Stands With Kids & Middle Class Minnesotans

Emmer stands with the rich

May 10, 2010--The Minnesota AFL-CIO praised the Legislature’s passage of a balanced solution to the state budget crisis. The legislation mixes budget cuts with a temporary tax rate increase on the rich to pay for school funding. Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson said today’s vote was a clear indication on where lawmakers stand.

“Most lawmakers chose to stand with school children and middle class Minnesotans,” Knutson said. “Unfortunately, Tom Emmer chose to stand up for the rich instead.”

With the bill now headed to the Governor’s desk, Knutson called on Governor Pawlenty to put aside his political ambitions and sign the bill.

“Bold and decisive leadership sometimes requires putting aside personal ambition to do the right thing,” add Knutson. “Middle class Minnesotans have already sacrificed in this recession; this budget ensures a shared sacrifice for all Minnesotans.”

A balanced approach to the budget crisis and making the tax system fairer was part of the Minnesota AFL-CIO’s 2010 legislative agenda.

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