Parry rules out tax increases to balance the budget

Posted at 4:49 PM on December 29, 2009 by Tom Scheck
Filed under: Campaign 2008: MN Legislature, Campaign 2010

Mike Parry, the GOP endorsed candidate running to replace GOP state Sen. Dick Day, says he does not support tax increases of any kind to balance the state's budget. Parry said state lawmakers need to reduce spending to erase a projected 1.2 billion dollar deficit:

"You cannot keep adding and adding and taxing. Because sooner or later the pool of money will be completely gone and then what do you do? So as in business when things get tight you take a look at every possible corner to cut to survive. And right now our state needs to survive."

Parry didn't offer specifics on where he would cut spending. He instead used the generic term "look at every portion of the state budget" when asked what cuts were on the table. When pressed, he did suggest that welfare spending is an option. Parry also said he supports adding slot machines at the state's two horse tracks. That measure is supported by Day, who is leaving his position to become a lobbyist for Racino.

Listen to my interview with Parry here: Listen

Senate District 26 Democrats yesterday endorsed St. Olaf College instructor Jason Engbrecht. Three-term Waseca Mayor Roy Srp is running on the Independence Party ticket. The special election will be held Jan. 26.

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