How many more Minnesotans need to lose jobs or business? How many more Minnesotans need to lose homes before Democrats in Washington, like Rep. Jim Oberstar understand that now is not the time for a massive tax increase?
Oberstar must not know how much it costs to fill a gas tank these days. By voting for a so-called “cap and trade bill,” Oberstar helped increase the costs folks will be paying for heat and the cost of putting food on the table. These are the problems Minnesotans are facing today and the giant energy tax that Oberstar voted for will only make those problems worse.
Oberstar announced that the energy tax bill will create millions of jobs for Americans. What he failed to mention was the devastating impact this bill will have on iron ore and steel industry jobs. Even the CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute said that “if this bill is enacted as it presently stands, U.S. steelmakers and our workers will be at a significant competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace.”
Even though the livelihood of Minnesotans in his district depends on these industries, Oberstar doesn’t get it.
The energy tax will not only kill jobs but will dramatically increase the cost of everyday items. You can expect food and grocery bills to skyrocket. Theenergy tax will increase gas and electric bills as well. And these aren’t a one time deal. The energy tax bill states that the tax should start slow and then exponentially swell over the next ten years. Exponentially swell? Minnesota’s families and small businesses will get buried just to keep the lights on!
After thirty-five years in the beltway, Oberstar needs a wake up call. Minnesotans rely on affordable groceries and electric bills, dependable jobs and fuel for their vehicles. After Oberstar chose to toe the national Democrat Party line by voting for the energy tax, the only thing Northern Minnesotans can rely on is their Congressman failing to represent their interests.
There is a silver lining; you have a chance to send Oberstar packing in 2010 and elect someone who will do what is right for the people of Minnesota.
Tony Sutton Chair, Republican Party of Minnesota
St. Paul
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