Post by Logan on Jun 5, 2016 5:13:06 GMT -6
Stalemate between Dayton, GOP leaves tax cuts, public works spending in limbo
Minnesota Republicans, who seized control of the House two years ago on promises to cut taxes and boost road and bridge spending across the state, now could go zero for two on those priorities because of bad blood with DFL Gov. Mark Dayton.
With Dayton poised on Monday to veto a $259 million tax bill that’s the crown jewel of the House Republican majority, Speaker Kurt Daudt must try to salvage the GOP agenda.
Competing pressures are at play as Daudt tries to meet Dayton’s demands while simultaneously keeping House Republicans united. Vulnerable incumbents in his caucus are counting on provisions in the stalled tax and public works/transportation bills that would benefit their districts, and going home empty-handed would leave Republicans with few major accomplishments to tout as they seek to protect their majority.
“I’ve been on the campaign trail enough to know that the first question you get is, ‘Why didn’t you guys get your work done?’ ” said Rep. Tim Kelly, R-Red Wing, who is retiring this year after four terms in the House. “That’s a tough one for people to go back into their district and answer, when we did have ample opportunity.”
Read more: www.startribune.com/stalemate-between-dayton-gop-leaves-tax-cuts-public-works-spending-in-limbo/381876741/
Minnesota Republicans, who seized control of the House two years ago on promises to cut taxes and boost road and bridge spending across the state, now could go zero for two on those priorities because of bad blood with DFL Gov. Mark Dayton.
With Dayton poised on Monday to veto a $259 million tax bill that’s the crown jewel of the House Republican majority, Speaker Kurt Daudt must try to salvage the GOP agenda.
Competing pressures are at play as Daudt tries to meet Dayton’s demands while simultaneously keeping House Republicans united. Vulnerable incumbents in his caucus are counting on provisions in the stalled tax and public works/transportation bills that would benefit their districts, and going home empty-handed would leave Republicans with few major accomplishments to tout as they seek to protect their majority.
“I’ve been on the campaign trail enough to know that the first question you get is, ‘Why didn’t you guys get your work done?’ ” said Rep. Tim Kelly, R-Red Wing, who is retiring this year after four terms in the House. “That’s a tough one for people to go back into their district and answer, when we did have ample opportunity.”
Read more: www.startribune.com/stalemate-between-dayton-gop-leaves-tax-cuts-public-works-spending-in-limbo/381876741/