Addressing the State Budget Deficit A Survey of Minnesotans

Addressing the State Budget Deficit A Survey of Minnesotans

This and Related Reports

Report Home Due to lower state revenues and greater than projected need for services, Minnesota faces an estimated $4.5 billion shortfall in the next two years. The Governor's proposal to balance the state budget primarily involves cuts to current state services. This telephone survey of 801 Minnesotans age 18+ found that: 88 percent say it is important that the state maintain current levels of funding for services for low-income, older, and disabled persons 88 percent support the Governor's proposal to maintain the state prescription drug program for low-income Minnesotans who are over age 65 or disabled 83 percent support finding ways to generate additional revenue if it is spent on services for low-income, older, and disabled persons, and at least 75 percent support: increased taxes on beer, wine, and liquor increased cigarette taxes (by $1 a pack) a temporary surcharge on income taxes for households with annual incomes above $200,000 closing loopholes and exemptions 82 percent support increased taxes if the money is paid to local governments for services like police and firefighters Minnesotans feel these taxes should be raised at the state level through taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, etc. (69 percent) rather than at the local level where property taxes likely would be raised (16 percent). Interviews were conducted during March 2003 by Woelfel Research, Inc. The report was prepared by Joanne Binette and Debbie Gann, both of AARP Knowledge Management. For further information, please, contact Joanne Binette at 202/434-6303. (23 pages) Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.