Tag: Rep. Erik Paulsen

We want voter-centered representation

To the Editor:

Since my first vote in 1972, I’ve witnessed money increasingly erode our democracy. This year I’m relieved to see so much excitement for Dean Phillips. His decision to refuse PAC or special interest money recently made the New York Times. Phillips knows we must restrain the use of “big money” (set loose by the Citizens United decision) in order to bring back balance and accountability to our government.

The Minnesota Way Pledge proposed by Phillips included the People’s Pledge, which works to limit negative, personal attack ads. Incumbent Paulsen suggested this in 2016; in 2018 he’s no longer interested. By agreeing, he could have spared Minnesota much mudslinging by outside groups. Instead, Paulsen chose to keep his big money contributions.

Constituents are eager for a candidate who will be responsive to voters because that candidate chose to fund his campaign the Minnesota Way – no money from PACs, Federal lobbyists or Congress members. Many Third District folks support Dean Phillips with their small dollar contributions. They also proudly march with Phillips at local parades as well as phone bank, door knock and more. Continue reading “We want voter-centered representation”

Republican Representatives Emmer, Paulsen, Lewis Vote for ‘Reverse Robin Hood’ Tax Bill

The following article was written by DFL State Chair Ken Martin:

Yesterday, the GOP-controlled House of Representatives approved their regressive tax plan. This harmful attempt to change our tax code comes at a heavy price for working families across Minnesota.

This misguided measure is reverse Robin Hood. It takes money from working Minnesotans to give to the wealthy. While huge corporations and the 1% would see a massive windfall thanks to this bill, more than one-fourth of Minnesotans would see their taxes rise. By eliminating critical deductions that help taxpayers afford college, offset medical expenses, and buy a new home, this bill would pull the rug out from under Minnesota families.

Continue reading “Republican Representatives Emmer, Paulsen, Lewis Vote for ‘Reverse Robin Hood’ Tax Bill”

Letter: Trickle-down doesn’t work

At last Congressman Erik Paulsen has found an issue sufficiently worthy to draw him out of hiding (“America’s broken tax code needs some repair” Nov. 2).

The tax bill he and his Republican comrades are pushing through Congress was drafted behind closed doors, with no hearings and no input from Democrats.

Paulsen, Trump and the other Republicans have forgotten that trickle-down economics have not worked in the past and certainly did not work in the 1980s when Reagan foisted them upon the country. Reagan’s own budget director, David Stockman, even authored a book admitting they do not work. Continue reading “Letter: Trickle-down doesn’t work”