| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| March 20, 2000 | Jon Peterson (651-296-5989) |
(ST. PAUL) Tax relief continues to be the top priority of residents of House District 33B, according to Rep. Rich Stanek's "2000 Session" constituent questionnaire. Over 900 people responded to the survey, which asked for opinions on issues likely to be discussed in the current legislative session.
Respondents to the survey favored sending the budget surplus back to taxpayers in the form of a rebate or permanent tax cut over spending it on other programs. They also favored more local control and flexibility in education decisions, and they said that building more roads is the best way to address the growing transportation needs of the northwest suburbs.
"I'm very pleased with the tremendous response we received from the survey," said Rep. Stanek. "If these responses are accurate, residents of Maple Grove and Plymouth have good reason to be excited about what's happening this year in the Legislature. Last year we passed the largest tax cut in state history, but that was only the first step. More tax relief should be on the way this year. Our goal is to get Minnesota out of the 'Top 10' in every tax category."
Other responses to the survey included the following:
þ 84 percent supported "Woman's Right to Know" legislation, which would guarantee a woman receives necessary health information from her physician before receiving an abortion.
þ 36 percent said their top health care concern was the cost of health insurance; 26 percent said it was being able to choose their provider; 22 percent said it was prescription drug costs; and 13 percent said privacy of medical records was their top concern.
þ 40 percent favored using the budget surplus for a tax rebate and permanent income tax cuts; 22 percent wanted the entire surplus returned in a tax rebate; 18 percent said the surplus should be used for a rebate and road construction; 17 percent favored a rebate and additional education spending. -More-
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Rep. Stanek
þ Respondents were evenly split on the best way to curb juvenile crime, with 27 percent believing boot camps are the best answer; 25 percent want them prosecuted as adults; 25 percent supporting mandatory punishments for gun violations; and 20 percent believe in instituting evening curfews.
þ Regarding the Profile of Learning, only 18 percent of those responding believe the state should "stay the course" and continue with the Profile as it exists; 36 percent want to allow local school districts greater flexibility in curriculum decisions; 24 percent want minor modifications of the Profile; and 22 percent believe the program should be repealed entirely.
"Combined with my town meetings and the mail I receive from folks throughout the year, this legislative survey gives me a good idea how best to represent the people in District 33B," said Rep. Stanek. "I want to thank everyone for taking the time to let their voices be heard."
Rich Stanek represents House District 33B in the Minnesota House of Representatives and serves as chairman of the House Crime Prevention Committee. To contact him with questions or concerns, write him at 543 State Office Building, 100 Constitution Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155, or call 651-296-5502.
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