Minnesota Independent reports that Americans for Prosperity has formed a chapter in Minnesota.
The conservative political group is funded by billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch and has chapters in 30 states. It spends millions on ads supporting conservative issues and attacking liberal candidates. The group is a major Tea Party supporter, the story says.
The Minnesota chapter is so new, it’s not yet listed on the group’s website.
John Cooney will run the Minnesota chapter. He has worked as political director for former U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad.
The group’s web site says Cooney is “well-equipped to lead the charge fighting to maintain a balanced budget, lower taxes, and increased economic health in Minnesota. AFP is proud to welcome him aboard.”
Cooney said in a statement:
“Minnesota is in desperate need of reforms which was clearly exemplified by our government’s shutdown. Excessive government spending, Governor Dayton’s push to increase taxes among all income levels, and a growing unemployment rate of almost 8 percent are just a few of the major threats to hard working Minnesotans.
“I will work hard to ensure Minnesotans are in-the-know about key issues affecting their family, paycheck, and homes. It is time to bring economic growth and individual prosperity back to the North Star State.”
Wow, right off the bat Mr. Cooney shows his new masters (Charles and David Koch)that he, like them, is quite comfortable with making up lies to promote his politics. At no time in his campaign or in his eight months as our governor, has Gov. Dayton ever suggested or “pushed to increase taxes among all income levels.” Mr. Cooney surely knows that. His former boss Jim Ramstad is an honorable man. Whether one agreed or disagreed with his politics, he was honest and truthful about matters. Too bad that his integrity never rubbed off on Mr. Cooney.
Cooney is lying. Twisting the words.
Our shutdown came, and re-opened on only what the Republicans would agree to.
Mr. Cooney is lying and he knows it. Dayton wanted to tax the rich, the top 1 to 2%, not “to increase taxes among all income levels.”
Don’t you all know that the rich are people; the only people actually (one dollar / one vote and all that),
You fellows evidently haven’t heard that the Department of Revenue issued a tax incidence study that concluded that Dayton’s tax plan would have affected all income levels, just as Mr. Cooney said. Here’s the report: http://bit.ly/j522Tx
Might the facts might encourage a few apologies for harsh accusations proved false?
#5, evidently you didn’t read what you posted Amazing how “propaganda spin works” some times in the reverse direction.
Couple key Phrases you should have noted if you wanted to be honest!
“Taxable income”
“90% on top 5%”
“New 4th income tax bracket – 10.95% tax rate on Minnesota taxable income over $150,000 joint,$85,000 single, and $130,000 head of household starting in 2011. The new tax bracket is indexed for inflation.”
“The tax burden on Minnesota taxpayers would rise by $941 million. Almost 90% of the tax increase would fall on the top 5%. More than two-thirds would fall on the top 1%.”
Couple more points:
Average is a relative term!
You seem to think we are all falling for the Bill Gates enters the bar joke, 6 guys have $180 between them average wealth is $30 Bill gates walks in, average wealth is now ~ $8 Billion each!
Dennis, I provided a link to the source material; don’t know how much more honest I could be.
And you haven’t refuted the statement at issue. If we agree that the MN Department of Revenue is a reliable source and that we accept their report as valid, then we must also agree that Dayton’s tax proposals would have impacted all income levels.
It’s valid to argue there is disparity among the impact, but you cannot deny the impact exists.
Seems to me that would be a necessary prerequisite for branding the statement at issue “a lie”.