Is Hennepin County so broke it needs a new tax to fund basic road maintenance?

Last year, the Hennepin County Board (minus the votes of Commissioner Randy Johnson and me) voted to increase the general property tax levy by 4.95%. At the same time, the board (minus only my vote) also increased the county regional railroad authority levy by 114% and the county housing authority levy by 176%. 

It’s only fair to note that county spending actually decreased between 2009 and 2010, but not enough to avoid tax increases.

As we begin our discussions about the county’s 2011 budget, the safe bet would be that all three levies will increase again. But despite these increases, we are also considering a new source of revenue for the county (on top of the three major levies, the ballpark tax, the transit tax, the tax on garbage collection, etc.) known as a “wheelage tax.”

State law allows counties to levy a wheelage tax upon its citizens of up to $5 per vehicle annually. According to county estimates, a wheelage tax in Hennepin County would raise approximately $4 million per year. Pursuant to state law, that $4 million could only be spent on roads and bridges.

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) has received the 2010 Thomas Jefferson Award from the Foodservice Distribution Industry for his work to strengthen the nation’s free enterprise system and support economic prosperity.  The Award is based on Congressional voting records on issues critical to the growth and prosperity of the foodservice distribution industry and the nation’s overall economy.  Recipients of the Award have shown their dedication to restoring our nation’s economic and fiscal health during the 111^thCongress. Paulsen was presented with the award last week.

“The foodservice industry is one of the largestprivate sector employers in the U.S., employing more than 13 million people,” said Paulsen.  “The supply chain that helps make this industry successful is a critical component of foodservice industry and a foundational part of our economy.  I am honored to accept this award from the IFDA and look forward to working with them to help grow jobs and the economy.”

“In this critical time, Representative Paulsen has stood strong and taken the difficult votes to protect America’s businesses, stimulate economic growth, and promote prosperity for the American people,” said IFDA President and CEO Mark S. Allen. “The Thomas Jefferson Award is our way of recognizing and thanking those lawmakers who have worked to strengthen American business by standing true to the ideals of Thomas Jefferson.”

About the award: The program, introduced 1992, was inspired by Thomas Jefferson, who in his first inaugural address said, “A wise and frugal government … shall leave men … free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government.”

Congressman Calls on China to Honor International Trade Obligations; Presses for Congressional Approval of Pending Trade Agreements with Panama, South Korea, and Colombia

(Washington, DC -- June 17, 2010) - Testifying before the Committee on Ways and Means, Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) yesterday expressed significant concerns over China's disregard toward global trade rules.

With the American Chamber of Commerce in China recently noting the country is closing its markets to foreign competition, Congressman Paulsen called on China to honor existing international trade agreements.  China has been accused of unfairly supporting domestic industries and imposing barriers to trade.

Representative Paulsen noted that China is an important market for US medical device manufacturers, whose exports to China totaled $1.3 billion last year.  If China slips into protectionism, the negative impact on Minnesota could be drastic.

Golden Hydrant goes to extension of ineffective teen pregnancy program

The newest Golden Fire Hydrant goes to the county’s “Better Together Hennepin: Healthy Youth, Healthy Communities” teen pregnancy prevention program. Last week the board voted 6 -1 to extend the program two years and spend another $518,000 (for a 4-year total of $1.1 million), despite receiving a report on the program showing it’s doing little or nothing to change the sexual behavior of the kids in the program.

“Better Together Hennepin” actually consists of several different teen pregnancy prevention programs that the county has been funding for two years - apparently to little success. Included are education and outreach programs through several different vendors, including Planned Parenthood, the Annex Teen Clinic and the Storefront Group. Also, the program includes funding two half-time sex education teachers in the Richfield and Brooklyn Center public schools.

The board chose to fund these programs for another two years despite seeing outcome studies that show they are ineffective in changing kids’ sexual behavior. This decision is a great example of government throwing money at a problem because it makes us feel good to be doing SOMETHING, even if that something is having no positive effect.