I doubt I'll be the only reader to linger over the following passage about the Range's Johnson Trust Fund in the MPR story, Are GOP budget numbers based on reforms or gimmicks?:
Another budget bill that may not be based on solid research is the House Jobs and Economic Development bill, which would tap $60 million in economic development funds for the Iron Range. That money is paid by Iron Range mining companies in lieu of property taxes.
Even the bill's author, state Rep. Bob Gunther, R-Fairmont, doesn't think the move is legal.
"What we're taking is their economic development fund, and using that for other purposes for other places," Gunther said. "If it went to court, we probably wouldn't prevail anyway."
Okay then, Bob.
Related post: GOP jobs & economic development bill: Mr. Whipple goes to St. Paul, squeezes job training
Comments