Representative Gottwalt on the issues

I believe we live in a land of freedom and opportunity; not entitlement.

I believe government has an important, but limited, role in meeting our needs and wants. Government cannot and should not do it all!  We should judge our government on how it helps keep people independent and self-sufficient ? how much freedom and opportunity it preserves; not based on how many people it makes dependent on government programs.  Every dollar spent on government is another dollar that is not available to invest in our economy, and another dollar bureaucrats in St. Paul will spend instead of you. I will continue working for fiscal responsibility, holding down taxes and reducing government.

I believe the best welfare program is a good paying job. Minnesota is among the highest cost welfare states in the nation, but scores low in terms of a business-friendly tax and regulatory climate.  That burden is costing us sustainable jobs and investments we need to turn around our economy.  People on public assistance tell me time and again, ?I would rather have a job than a government check.?  Employers have told us exactly what they need to create those jobs:  ?Get out of our wallets and out of our way, and watch what we can do!?  I will continue working to ease the burdens on our job creators so we can grow the good paying jobs we need for a return to economic prosperity.

I believe the best social program is a healthy family. In recent years, we have seen a strong push for government programs to replace healthy families and responsible parenting, injecting themselves into the formation of children and families from cradle to grave. Government can never take the place of responsible parenting and nurturing families, with mothers and fathers sharing and engaged in raising happy, successful children.  Our state is spending billions of dollars trying to make-up for a lack of healthy families. I will continue to support responsible parenting and strong families as the best foundation for a healthy, prosperous society.

I believe we must set good priorities and live within our means instead of raising taxes on struggling Minnesotans. Minnesotans are tired of government taking more and more of their hard earned income to feed government spending that is set to grow 25% in the coming biennium.  Without doing anything else, Minnesota is expected to take in an additional $3 billion in tax revenues for the next biennium.  That should be more than enough in this economy.  But instead, state spending is set to grow $8 billion!  We can and must live within our means, just like Minnesota individuals, families and businesses. I will continue fighting to hold the line on state spending, supporting responsible reductions in government spending.

I believe the sustainable solution to our state budget problems lies in government restraint and reform,  State spending is growing 25%, state revenues are growing 7%.  We must rein-in out-of-control government spending, seeking sustainable reforms if we hope to set our state back on the path to economic recovery, stable revenues, good paying jobs, and prosperity.  I will continue working for sustainable solutions and reducing the size of state government.

The best health care system is a patient-centered system where you, in consultation with your doctor, make the decisions. Too often, government bureaucrats and politicians are telling Minnesota's health care providers what to do, making promises they cannot keep with money we do not have. I will continue working for common sense reforms that provide responsible access to quality care while reducing costs and paying providers appropriately.

I believe leadership starts with listening carefully to you, my constituents. Great representation begins with careful listening.  I have set new standards for openness and transparency, holding regular Town Hall meetings throughout our district, publishing a regular no-nonsense e-newsletter, posting every bill I author or co-author, meeting with constituents, responding to their messages, and working hard on your behalf. I will continue listening carefully to lead effectively for our district and the great state of Minnesota!

It is an honor and privilege to serve as your State Representative.  Always let me know how I can help!