Caucus night is coming up February 2, and all precincts in SD 15 will gather at Apollo HS for the Republican caucus. Watch this space for further details.

Yes, you read that right, when exactly did the world's best health care system become 2nd rate? When was it that our system become worse than that of any in Europe or even that of our neighbor, Canada?

Granted there are indeed problems within our overall health care system; costs are high, portability issues, lack of good communication between providers, etc. but dagnabbit America is still numero uno, top of the heap when it comes to efficiency and access to medical care and to say its broken and needs a complete overhaul - well it just ain't the TRUTH!

There are many great sites and articles exposing the Myth of a Broken System that needs the healing hands of Obamassiah. Today we direct your attention to this one - http://barackobamaexperiment.com/

The new forecast based on the FY2009 net general fund revenues is now $150 Million below that of the forecast in February. Click here for latest report

Obviously the solution proposed for this dismal news from the DFL will be to raise taxes. I mean, DUH!!, how else are we supposed to increase the state coffers so as to afford all those government funded programs.

The tax bracket for the "wealthy" will soar above 50% in Minnesota with the new affordable health plan rushing through Congress so what's a little more hurt, after all they still won't be paying their FAIR share now will they.

And while we're at it those mean, non-caring business owners (wealthy or not) will no doubt need to pony up too. We may have to build a fence around our state so these people can't change residence to say Texas, Nevada, or Florida where there is no personal income tax and who really cares if new businesses pass our state by for neighboring Wisconsin or South Dakota and those already here shut down and move across a border?

There can't really be a better response to our economic woes than raising taxes can there?

Oh wait, what's that you say? A little louder please. "JOBS, JOBS, JOBS," says Rep. Gottwalt and other Republicans leaders (which no doubt will fall on the deaf DFL ears)

The more jobs, the more income producers, the more taxes collected, the more funds available for those darling government programs. But that won't really work will it? It can't really be as simple as creating an environment so friendly to businesses that they can't wait to come and establish or expand?

Rep. Steve Gottwalt (R 15B) has a response to DFL Assistant Minority Leader (and rumored CD6 DFL possible candidate) Sen. Tarryl Clark (D 15) and her complaints about Gov. Pawlenty cleaning up the mess the DFL Majorities left for him.

Representative Steve Gottwalt (HD15A St. Cloud) in response to Senator Tarryl Clark (SD15 St. Cloud) complaining about the Governor performing his Constitutional duty to balance the budget since the DFL controlled legislature did not.

"The bottom line is this -- and I just listened to Gov. Pawlenty make many of these same points over lunch:  Since 1960, the average state biennial budget increase has been 19 percent.  State spending is growing at an unsustainable rate and Sen. Clark's only answer is to heap more taxes and regulations on struggling Minnesotans, pushing more of them into government programs.  How many jobs has Minnesota lost because we are ranked dead last in terms of small business climate?  How many jobs has Minnesota lost because we are the land of 10,000 taxes (and growing)?  We remain among the highest taxed states in the nation.  Virtually all the states outperforming Minnesota in terms of job creation and economic growth have LOWER taxes and LESS regulatory burden than Minnesota.

By the way, Sen. Clark, where were you and your majority caucus during five months of legislative session?  Where was your plan? Where was your solution?  That was your opportunity to solve the budget deficit by setting good priorities and living within your means instead of raising taxes.  You and your caucus refused to use that opportunity, and from the start decided to "go it alone" balancing the budget by growing state government and jacking up taxes on Minnesotans who've seen their "revenues" dry up.  Talk about hypocritical!  And just a reminder, Sen. Clark, Gov. Pawlenty signed YOUR bills, and took responsibility for doing what you and your caucus could not:  Cut state spending to live within our means.  Your failure to lead created the very situation about which you complain so loudly!

Minnesotans and Americans are waking up to the nightmare being visited upon them by an out-of-touch Democratic majority that only knows how to tax-and-spend, grow government and raise taxes in a mistaken attempt to achieve better living through government (a.k.a. socialism).  It is time to show them the door!

Representative Steve Gottwalt, 15A - St. Cloud

We are interested in talking to anyone interested in elected office or if you know of someone you believe would be a great candidate let us know.

The elected offices we are in search of candidates for are:

• School Board either St. Cloud or Rocori
• City Council for St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta or Rockville
• Township Supervisor for Haven Township
• County Commissioner for Stearns, Benton or Sherburne
• State Senator for SD15
• House District 15A (Steve Gottwalt is the incumbent but we must be open to other considerations for endorsement)
• House District 15B