Letter: 'DFL Should Speak Truthfully About David Hann'

To the Editor:

DFL Senate candidate Laurie McKendry clearly has little positive to say about her own vision, positions or agenda in her run to replace GOP Senator David Hann. McKendry's false and misleading statements reflect her own lack of knowledge of how state government works, or assumes you don't understand much, or both. 

Claims that Senator Hann voted to increase property taxes is a perfect example of this lack of government knowledge. Property taxes are set by counties, cities and school districts, not state legislators.  Hann did not vote to cut the state budget, only voting to reduce the rate of growth. 

The most recent budget increased spending by $2 billion, but reduced the projected budget by a necessary $6.2 billion.  Governor Dayton was salivating to get out of this fiscal jam by increasing our taxes and continues to call for taking more of our hard-earned money to give to his political cronies.  The SD48 team of Rep. Jenifer Loon, Rep. Kirk Stensrud and Senator David Hann refused to pass any such budget.  As a result, Governor Dayton elected to shut down the government - something only a governor has the authority to do.

McKendry's claims that David Hann shut down the government indicate a lack of basic understanding of how state government works.  Further, she claims that he cut spending on needy women and low income citizens. 

In reality, Hann increased it by $1.1 billion, just less than initially budgeted.  Hann also increased K-12 education spending, voting for an increase of $100/pupil/biennium.  To DFL blowhards like McKendry, spending one dollar less than they demand is a ‘cut’ even when actual budgets are increased.

The DFL need to be challenged to speak truthfully about Senator David Hann's considerable legislative accomplishments instead of demeaning his fine work. Go to http://www.minnesotahousegop.com/100-facts/ for the facts.

Viola Danciak, Eden Prairie