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Phil Sterner voted for (HF 885, May 8, 2009) the $992 million tax increase and I'm sure he'd come up with all sorts of explanations for his vote. Probably something like it's necessary for critical government services and other such nonsense. Because claiming so, pretends that there is no wasteful spending by government that could be cut instead.
When Rep. Sterner voted for tax increases, he voted that the following items are more important than you keeping your hard earned money
$200,000
From the workforce development fund to the "Indigenous Earthkeepers" program for American Indian youth environmental education and training
$32.75 million
To forgive debt on a loan to the city of St. Paul so they could borrow more money for a hockey rink nearby the hockey ARENA they want us to forgive the debt for. And don't forget that taxpayers have already "forgiven" $17 million of St. Paul's debt.
$25,000
To members of a farmers market association for members who incurred crop damages as a result of a hail storm in 2008.
$65,593,000
For "integration aid" to schools, including the following programs:
- $3,000 for after school soccer
- $7,500 for an Art Exhibit : supplies, consultants and "artifacts"
- $43,000 for a collaborative coordinator
- $125,000 for a cultural liaison officer, salary & benefits
- $15,000 for a culturally responsive teacher training
- $74,000 for an equity coach
- $3,000 for ethnic celebrations
- $10,000 for field trip scholarships
- $5,000 for a 5th grade kindness retreat
- $4,000 for food and snacks for ethnic celebrations
- $99,000 for an integration program coordinator
- $57,600 for a secretary to IPC
- $113,000 for a newcomers program teacher
- $3,500 for a pen pal book club
- $2,000 for a 6 step hip hop program
$590,000
In grants for "artists" to travel around the world since 2003.
$5,000
For a grant to a Bloomington man to "finish hand coloring 'Boris'", an animation about overcoming difficult circumstances to live a happy life
$2,000
For a Minneapolis woman to revise her memoir entitled "My Transgender Husband: A Love Story."
$6,000
For a Minneapolis woman to photograph, among other things, closed Dairy Queens in the winter time
$12.4 million
For art grants like the ones above in this year's "jobs" bill
$3 million
For auto repairs, auto loans, and auto purchase grants to individuals who are eligible to receive MFIP (a.k.a. welfare) benefits or who have lost eligibility for benefits due to earnings in the prior 12 months
$500,000
For composting grants
I think any normal hardworking citizen would agree that none of these takes priority over you keeping your hard earned tax dollars. None of these takes priority over a family being able to feed and cloth their children. In a massive deficit there just isn't room for trivial spending like this.
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