(Alexandria, VA) -- The 362,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU) applauded Minnesota's Governor Tim Pawlenty's recent decision to propose a constitutional amendment that would limit state spending in a given budget cycle to what the state received in revenue in the previous two years. NTU has more than 7,000 members in Minnesota.
NTU's State Government Affairs Manager Joshua Culling noted, "Gov. Pawlenty's plan offers a common-sense approach to government spending that Minnesota desperately needs. Like many other states, Minnesota has taken to spending well beyond the capacity of its citizens to afford, and simply can't continue on this destructive path. While two states recently rejected measures to curb government growth, Governor Pawlenty's actions yesterday demonstrate that the drive to protect taxpayers from runaway taxing and spending is alive and well."
In his news conference, Pawlenty explained that this idea has nothing to do with political philosophy, but rather is a necessary action to address the current levels of unsustainable spending. Pawlenty's proposal also provides for exceptions in the cases of public safety or national emergencies.
Culling continued, "Families and businesses all across America determine their budgets by how much they bring in; there is absolutely no reason why we should not expect the government to behave the same way. NTU praises Gov. Pawlenty for his recent proposal and hopes legislators in the state of Minnesota will support him in his efforts." If the Minnesota State Legislature approves Pawlenty's constitutional amendment, it will go to the people for a statewide vote. NTU will be tracking this issue and efforts related to curbing government spending.
NTU is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 1969 to work for lower taxes, smaller government, and economic freedom at all levels. Note: More information on spending caps is available at www.ntu.org.
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