The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding the full-page ad in today’s Star Tribune from the “Growth & Justice” think tank calling for a $2 billion per year tax increase.

“After decades of struggle, we are proud to have moved Minnesota out of the top ten in taxes. We now have budget surpluses and double digit revenue growth to the state. We are not undertaxed and will be able to fund our key priorities like education without raising taxes.

“Having read the names of those who signed the full-page ad in today’s Star Tribune, I want to issue them a friendly challenge. I invite the people on the list to send in a voluntary contribution to the state, above and beyond the taxes they already pay, of $250,000 to $2 million each.

“Since their contributions will be public information under our Data Practices Act, we will look into listing the names of these generous Minnesotans on a state website. I will also personally pose with each of them for a commemorative photo in the Governor’s Reception Room accepting their contribution and issue them a certificate of appreciation. I look forward to the state receiving checks from each of these 203 individuals.”

Under Minnesota Statutes 16A.013 and 16A.014, the Department of Finance is authorized to accept contributions of this type. Checks should be made payable to “State of Minnesota” and sent to:

Minnesota Department of Finance
400 Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
St. Paul, MN 55155

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