Agenda Packets - 2010/02/22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council January 11, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 4 1 Dan Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, stated he understands that all investors have lost money 2 over the past several years due to the economic downturn. He indicated it was difficult for him 3 to understand why the State would be reimbursing State employee’s pension funds, while the rest 4 of the State’s residents suffer. Mr. Mueller encouraged the State to use the funds provided wisely 5 and drop all of the bantering between parties. Representative Tillberry indicated he has the same 6 financial concerns as all residents in the State of Minnesota. He explained that the Senators and 7 Representatives are ordinary people with jobs, families, and the same stresses. Senator Betzold 8 stated he was a lawyer and he would be better served financially by following his trade than 9 through the public service he provided his constituents. He indicated the State has to make some 10 very difficult decisions this session due to the current economic challenges. 11 12 Mike Read, 2208 Lois Drive questioned if the State of Minnesota could continue to support 13 welfare programs for out-of-state residents that move to Minnesota. Senator Betzold explained 14 that these were partial State and Federal funds. He stated there were just as many people coming 15 into the State as were leaving the State, and added that this was a small percentage of the overall 16 budget. Senator Betzold further reviewed how the past surplus situations directly led to the 17 current economic crisis. 18 19 Council Member Stigney stated many retirees continue to lose services whether they are State 20 employees or not. He asked that the extra protection given to State employees be dropped. 21 Senator Betzold indicated he is not suggesting that the State bailout its pension program, but that 22 those who are dedicated to public service do deserve to retire after a life of service. 23 24 Council Member Stigney questioned if the governor felt a responsibility for the current and 25 future economic condition of the State. Senator Betzold explained that the legislature only had a 26 constitutional responsibility for the current biennium, and that the governor does as well. 27 However, both parties are concerned about the current and future condition of the State. 28 Representative Tillberry noted there was a sense of responsibility for all the parties involved as 29 the demographics of the State continues to change and there is an increasing need for State funds. 30 The State will need to reform government to meet the changing needs. 31 32 Council Member Mueller asked if the State could recover the tax concessions made in previous 33 years if Northwest Airlines moved their headquarters from Minneapolis. Senator Betzold 34 explained that because Northwest Airlines filed bankruptcy, they were able to get out of some of 35 their financial obligations. He noted that the merge with Delta allowed Northwest Airlines to 36 shed many of the responsibilities within the tax concessions. 37 38 Council Member Mueller questioned how the unemployment rate could be improved to help the 39 economy. Senator Betzold indicated the bonding bill would fund various “shovel ready” projects 40 to assist in stimulating the State. He noted the Vikings Stadium would also be a topic of 41 discussion and the legislature needs to take another look at the corporate tax structure to close 42 loopholes. Senator Betzold indicated there were a lot of ideas going around at this time. 43 44