Survey Results from Rep. Shimanski

We have finished tabulating the hundreds of responses we received from local citizens who graciously participated in my 2010 survey pertaining to key legislative issues. The results indicate people want government to rein in its spending and keep the lid on tax increases.

The widest margin of votes on any of the nine questions came on the one asking whether the state should pass a constitutional amendment which limits state spending in the next biennium to match revenue received in the current biennium. A whopping 90 percent favor that initiative.

Continuing the topic of spending, a two-thirds margin indicates we should leave the Luce Line Trail as-is, compared with 11 percent who want to pave it now. The remaining participants either want to wait until the economy recovers to pave it (15 percent), or look at other options for trails in District 18A (8 percent).

As for taxes, 77 percent say they agreed with Governor Tim Pawlenty’s veto of a billion-dollar tax bill in 2009.

Furthermore, 46-percent majority also responded lowering taxes is the best way to promote job growth in Minnesota, while 37 percent favor reducing business regulations to reach the same goal. Only 9 percent would like to seek more federal stimulus money to create jobs, while a mere 8 percent want more state spending to create jobs.

By a large percentage, people want less government interference and more freedom to determine their health care needs. While it is clear most local folks do not want a government takeover (3 percent), 28 percent say they want reduced mandates, 36 percent say freedom to buy health care across state lines is the most attractive option, and 25 percent favor less government intervention and a close doctor-patient relationship to control costs.

On the energy front, an overwhelming 86 percent say we should repeal the moratorium on building new nuclear power plants in Minnesota as a way of keeping electricity affordable for our residents.

An 82-percent majority say Minnesotans should be required to provide photo identification in order to vote.

I also posed a pair of Vikings stadium questions. A 66-percent majority indicate the state should not be part of any financing for a new stadium. Of the remaining 34 percent who say the state should assist the Vikings in a new stadium, expanding racino gambling (45 percent) and applying a fan tax (33 percent) are the most popular options for generating revenue.

I thank all the people who participated in this survey, which we made available at town hall meetings, public forums and online; the results are very helpful to me as we continue the 2010 legislative session. The complete survey percentages are listed at the end of this e-mail.

Sincerely,
Ron


1. What is the best way to promote job growth in Minnesota to stimulate our economy?
46% = A Lower taxes
37% = B Reduce business regulations
8% = C More state spending to create jobs
9% = D Seek federal stimulus money

2. To assure a balanced budget, should the state pass a constitutional amendment which limits state spending in the next biennium to match revenue received in the current biennium?
90% = A Yes
10% = B No

3. In 2009, Governor Pawlenty vetoed the Democrats’ billion-dollar tax bill. That bill would have increased taxes for most Minnesotans while delaying $1.7 billion in essential K-12 funding until 2012. Did you agree with the Governor’s veto?
77% = A Yes
23% = B No

4. Should Minnesotans be required to provide photo identification in order to vote?
82% = A Yes
18% = B No

5. Should we repeal the moratorium on building new nuclear power plants in Minnesota as a means of keeping electricity affordable for our residents?
86% = A Yes, look at nuclear power options
14% = B No, keep the ban on new nuclear power

6. How can we help Minnesotans control their health care costs?
3% = A I prefer the federal government takeover of health care
28% = B Reduce health care mandates to reduce insurance costs in Minnesota
36% = C Allow consumers to purchase approved health care products across state lines
25% = D I prefer less government intervention and a close relationship between doctor and patient to control costs
8% = E Other: (please specify)

7. Should the state assist in funding the construction of a new Minnesota Vikings stadium?
34% = A Yes, the state should assist the Vikings in creating a solution
66% = B No, the state should stay out of it

8. If you answered “A” in the previous question, what funding options are most attractive?
6% = A Statewide sales tax
1% = B Local sales tax
33% = C "Fan" tax applied specifically to tickets and goods purchased by football fans
15% = D No taxes
45% = E Expand racino gambling and apply taxes gained to stadium funding

9. What is your opinion regarding the proposed paving of the Luce Line Trail?
11% = A Pave the trail now
15% = B Wait to pave the trail until the economy recovers
8% = C Let’s look at other options for trails in District 18A
66% = D Leave the Luce Line Trail as it is



State Rep. Ron Shimanski
District 18A
227 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-1534
800-920-5882