State Representative Kurt Zellers News
Rep. Zellers focus on the jobs and the economy
As part of his efforts to restore common sense to Saint Paul, Representative Zellers is joining Republican legislative colleagues and Governor Pawlenty in visiting communities around the state to listen to business owners. The Jobs Tour brings together elected officials, businesspeople, and residents to discuss the challenges of the current economy and the ways Minnesota government can help jumpstart business development and job growth. <<more>>
Government Should Spend Only What it Takes In
The next state budget is projected to have another multi-billion dollar deficit due to out-of-control spending growth. In fact, revenues are expected to increase by 10 percent, with the deficit created by an expected 24-percent growth in spending.
That’s why Representative Zellers signed on to sponsor the Spending Accountability Amendment. This idea, introduced this year, would amend the Minnesota Constitution to limit state government spending to the actual amount of money collected in the previous budget. <<more>>
Maple Grove Hospital
As a longtime resident of the northwest suburbs, Representative Zellers has placed the community’s needs at the top of his priority list. In 2006, he recognized this growing community’s need for a new health care facility and began working with fellow legislators, community leaders and other stakeholders to make it a reality. Zellers helped bring all sides together to build a partnership and a plan for the new hospital.
On December 30, that effort was realized with the opening of the new Maple Grove Hospital. Now, residents of Maple Grove, Osseo and the northwest suburbs will have a venue for modern, patient-centered care close to home.<<more>>
Borrowing bill too big, misguided priorities
Another of the top issues this legislative session was the government borrowing bill. Despite facing a nearly $1 billion deficit, the Democrat majority was intent on borrowing a billion dollars as one of their first legislative actions. Its sheer size and lack of priorities misrepresented the needs of Minnesota citizens.
“This bill funded sculpture gardens and volleyball centers, yet left out money for roads and other important infrastructure projects. At a time when Minnesota government must focus on needs, this bill was full of wants.”<<more>>
Budget Balanced, No Tax Increases
The 2010 legislative session ended with a bipartisan agreement on how to balance the budget.
As the House Republican Minority Leader, Zellers took part in the negotiations with other legislative leaders and Governor Pawlenty at the end of session to build the agreement.
“My top priority in our discussions was to not raise taxes on families and businesses, and I’m proud to say we achieved that goal,” Zellers said.<<more>>
Zellers pro-growth tax and regulatory reform
Last fall, our neighbor Kurt Zellers and fellow Republican legislators began a “Jobs Tour” to hear directly from Minnesota job creators about the challenges they face in today’s economy.
That effort led to a package of pro-growth economic policies to benefit small businesses, investors and entrepreneurs, including incentives for investing in small business, a reduction of the income tax on job providers and an angel investor credit. Representative Zellers knows that these are the measures we need to jump start the economy.
“The message from job creators was loud and clear: reduce taxes, lower the barriers to investment and get government out of the way. I am continuing to push the Legislature to follow up on concerns and help open the door to renewed opportunity,” said Zellers.<<more>>
Safety Net Solution
Real leaders know that even the most difficult challenges have a solution. The GAMC issue presented our neighbor Kurt Zellers and his legislative colleagues both an obstacle and an opportunity to deliver positive results.
“I knew that there was another way, and that if we kept working at it the legislature could create a solution that met the needs of this vulnerable population and the realities of our fiscal situation,” said Zellers.<<more>>
