Story originally printed in the Winona Daily News or online at www.winonadailynews.com

Published - Wednesday, April 25, 2007

What a difference a year makes with new leadership

By Steve Sviggum | Guest view

What a difference a year makes.

When Minnesota Democrats ran for election last year, I’ll bet they didn’t tell you about the radical changes they had in store, such as increased tax burdens. According to the bills the Democrats have introduced, the proposed increases total more than $4 billion. It seems to me a reasonable person would believe that state government should be able to live within a 9.8 percent increase — or $3 billion in new spending — without raising taxes.

But reducing your income only makes up a small portion of the secret, unspoken agenda that all Minnesota voters failed to learn about last November. Along with big taxes and big government, the Democrats’ agenda includes the trial lawyers’ platform that will add litigation and cause your insurance premiums to increase 15 to 19 percent.

It includes the expansion of welfare that destroys the work reforms and accountability measures implemented by Republicans during the last five years.

It includes giving freebies to illegal aliens. The Republican majority tried to prevent illegal residents from obtaining welfare benefits. Now, the Democrats are loosening these regulations so much that children of illegal non-citizens would be able to attend state colleges by paying in-state tuition rates. Another Democratic bill even gives illegals the right to vote.

It includes a change in family values. House Republicans passed the Marriage Amendment, which would have allowed Minnesotans to decide if marriage should be defined as a union between one man and one woman.

Today, Democrats are pushing for same-sex domestic partner benefits.

It includes a change in abortion regulations. Republicans passed legislation that would prevent taxpayer-funded abortions. Democrats are now pushing to greatly increase funding for Planned Parenthood.

It is indeed interesting that all of the Democratic agenda items listed above were never shared, much less debated, on the campaign trail last year. Yet, they have now become the focal points of a session that should have been used setting a reasonable budget and determining how to spend a $2 billion surplus. If you agree or disagree with this radical plan, be sure to share your opinions with your local lawmakers.

Again, what a difference a year makes.

Sviggum, Republican from Kenyon, is the former Minnesota Speaker of the House.