Re-Elect Michael Paymar for State Representative District 64B

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

I'm running for reelection to the Minnesota House of Representatives and am asking for your vote in November. It has been an honor to represent this district. We share a vision for our neighborhoods, our city and our great state with its rich history. I believe the Legislature should set clear priorities for investing in our future while ensuring that we are accountable for those investments. We can't afford to short-change our children by under-funding education, by not investing in our colleges and universities and by slashing funding to the most vulnerable in our society.

This session we started with a $1 billion deficit that grew to $3 billion when the Supreme Court ruled that the Governor's unallotments were illegal. We were constitutionally mandated to eliminate the $3 billion deficit, and the final budget agreement developed by the Legislature and Governor Pawlenty accomplished that goal. Despite our mandate, I was extremely disappointed with the deal, so I voted against HF 1, in Special Session. Essentially, the Legislature ratified the Governor's illegal unallotments and continued the education shifts, which will result in our school districts (including St. Paul's) having to borrow money for operating expenses. Our attempts to approve new revenue were once again blocked by the Governor, which means we are facing a $6 billion deficit in the next biennium. While I understand why my colleagues voted overwhelmingly for the bill, I felt that the Governor should have compromised more. Our procrastination in solving our fiscal problems will, in effect, create an even larger problem for our next Governor and Legislature. This is irresponsible and not what the voters of 64B should expect from state government.

We will be faced with a huge deficit next year and we can't resolve it by cuts alone. I support a combination of targeted cuts, government reform and progressive tax increases. We need bold leadership to create jobs and revive our economy.

I was born and raised in Minnesota. I believe in our potential, which is why I want to continue working for Minnesota's future in the Legislature. Thank you for your support.