“We often hear in this room, and not just on this proposal but any proposal, that it should get a subsidy because they will pay taxes," [House Tax Committee Chair Ann] Lenczewski said before twirling her index finger in the air, "Well whoop-dee-do! Every business in Minnesota pays taxes; we don't give out blue ribbons for paying taxes."
— KARE 11
Rep. Lenczewski was commenting on proposed tax breaks for a Mall of America expansion that would be in her district. She has a point. All businesses pay taxes, so why should the public subsidize some private projects versus others?
A union electrical worker who's been out of work for months has a different view. His livelihood depends on new construction projects. If no one's building, he's out of job. He's not paying taxes, and he may be collecting unemployment.
I don't care which side you're on, this stuff isn't as simple as cut taxes or no subsidies for billionaires.
