Americans for Tax Reform:

Constitutional Amendment Will Restrain Excessive General Fund Growth

“Gov. Pawlenty’s proposal is a terrific step toward curbing the excessive spending sprees that have plagued state balanced budget requirements and resulted in numerous proposals to raise taxes,” said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. “By simply restraining growth in government spending, lawmakers can avoid budget crises like the one they faced this year and ensure taxpayers will not be burdened with the cost of larger government.”

“Across Minnesota, families set budgets that account for what their current income is, not what they hope or want it to be. For some reason, politicians think they can spend at whim and always get the money they want by taking it out of taxpayers’ wallets,” added Norquist.

“For years, Minnesota lawmakers chose to simply raise taxes when their spending habits got out of control. Governing is not raising taxes; it is prioritizing and making tough decisions with the money you have. Gov. Pawlenty’s proposal forces the tax-and-spend lawmakers in Minnesota to govern. ”

“I encourage the state legislature to pass this much needed spending cap and I am hopeful that voters will approve it to ease a growing tax burden and simplify budget negotiations in future years,” stated Norquist.