California isn’t the only state where the legislature is ignoring the current economic climate. In Minnesota, the Democrats who control that state’s legislature, have ignored Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty’s veto threat and passed a series of tax increases.
Two different packages passed: one in the Minnesota House and one in the Senate. Both contain a variety of tax increases, including increases in the income tax, cigarette taxes, alcohol tax, and an increase in what is covered by the sales tax. The mortgage interest deduction would be limited.
These measures are probably irrelevant, as no Republican voted for them and Governor Pawlenty guarantees they’ll be vetoed. There’s clearly not enough votes for the vetoes to be overridden.
What will be heading to Minnesota and California? Major cuts in government spending. And that’s as it should be.