Why is it every time there is a problem our governor and legislators want to raise taxes or create new fees or increase existing fees? The proposed 6.5 percent gasoline tax is another example of taxing rather than finding solutions within current funds or new funds that would become available if more jobs were created in Minnesota. Instead jobs are leaving Minnesota because of the taxing climate.

The solution of 6.5 percent gas tax may seem small to some with current gas prices, but when gas gets back to $3 or $4 per gallon that will mean an increase 20 to 26 cents per gallon on top of all the other taxes we are already paying. I heard a DFL legislator say the gas tax increase is a better tax than taxing alcohol. Wow just think how much damage is done to life and property by drunk drivers and yet he would rather tax gas than alcohol. Where are his priorities?

I don’t have the answers but then again I don’t have a staff paid by my taxes to find solutions. Maybe our legislators should find new staff members with vision and the challenge to come up with plans to attract companies to Minnesota and thus new jobs and additional revenue rather than constantly adding fees and taxes which will drive more jobs and retired people out of Minnesota. One day legislators may find they can’t tax enough because there isn’t enough left to tax.

Rick Bremner,

Austin