Senator Tom Bakk
State Sen. Tom Bakk, DFLCook, was presented with two 2009 Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities’ (CGMC) Legislator of Distinction Awards on Land Use and Tax Policy on July 31.
Bakk was recognized for his positive impact on land use and annexation reforms guiding state tax policy, and leadership in crafting the 2009 Omnibus Tax Bill.
As Senate Tax Chair, Bakk has been a strong advocate for Local
Government Aid (LGA), the state’s program that helps cities provide basic services. In 2003, the LGA program suffered substantial cuts and has yet to recover the same level of funding as was appropriated five years ago. In his 2008 Tax Bill, Sen. Bakk increased LGA by $42 million, and this year the Senate tax proposal held LGA constant despite the huge state deficit.
TheCGMC is a nonprofit advocacy organization representing 80 cities outside the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The coalition educates legislators about issues important to greater Minnesota.
“Sen. Bakk is one of Greater Minnesota’s strongest advocates when it comes to property tax relief,” said CGMC President Wayne Wolden, mayor of
Wadena. “He is resolute in his support for LGA, and unwavering in his commitment to sound tax policy.”
“Sen. Bakk had the courage to push for land use reform that will protect Minnesota’s natural resources and environment,” said Executive Director of the CGMC, Tim Flaherty. “His efforts will not only reduce the cost of government, but they will dramatically improve Minnesota’s water quality, and help the state meet their climate-change goals.”
“I am dedicated to protecting Minnesotans from paying rising property taxes for the services all Minnesotans are entitled to,” Bakk said.
“Deep cuts to LGA translate to increased property taxes and reduced services. I will continue to fight against balancing the state’s
budget through raising property taxes — it is not fair, equitable, and will exacerbate the already growing problem cities face to provide services we all need and use.”
Bakk was also recognized in February 2009 when he received the Building Association of Minnesota’s President’s Award for his efforts to pass legislation requiring a statewide building code for all builders; and in July 2009 by the League of Minnesota Cities when he was awarded its Legislator of Distinction Award for his role in crafting the 2009 Omnibus Tax Bill and his efforts to preserve agricultural land and open space through land use policies.
Leave a Reply