MN "least tax-friendly State" in America (new report) (Viking: middle-class, schools)

[LeTraveler]

Originally Posted by Kavalier

The MTC hasn't functioned in the "black" for probably 50 years. So what do we do?...bilk the taxpayers out of billions of dollars on a redundant lightrail sham that is one of the most grotesque wastes of taxpayer dollars that this State has ever been worked out of.

What would there be if light rail were to be rid of?

I'm seriously asking. I don't know what was in place before light rail. Buses only is simply not an option. The buses here are a little sad and inefficient.

Yes, sometimes a bus and the light rail are driving alongside each other, just as two cars on the road will. Yet their paths will diverge sooner rather than later, just as the paths of two cars will.

As far as empty buses: take heart. They are cutting routes and times left and right due to the driver shortages. I also see buses with few people (only in very early or late hours) but I view it this way: more people should use public transportation. Truly, the Twin Cities and particularly the areas right outside of the cities are very car-centric. It is strange that people drive everywhere, even to nearby places. It's not going to help traffic as the cities grow.

[Teak]

I spent several years living in a very large Asian city (Kuala Lumpur). As they developed their light rail system, the multitude of heavy-polluting mini-buses slowly got phased out. Once a decent light rail system is in place, people will opt for that over the buses. Buses become so inefficient due to having to share the road with car commuters; light rail bypasses much of that commuter hell.

[Citykid3785]

I do find the bus system from the suburbs to downtown to be excellent. Generally speaking they are frequent, have free parking, are clean, have wifi, and run on time (mostly). Most of the primary suburbs have 1,2, or even 3 park and rides such that there is usually one within 5-10 minutes of your house, with a direct shot to downtown.

[Thedosius]

Originally Posted by LeTraveler

Well, everyone's got to pick their poison, so to speak. All of the statistics that you mentioned don't even begin to cover all of the knock-on effects stemming from low taxes and income. Effects that I saw with my own eyes for the past several years.

For me, personally, it's just not worth it for a ~2% less in income tax or other tax. It may be worth it for some in MN; I know people elsewhere who think it is.

Well, the U.S. is a collection of states who have a degree of autonomy over their fiscal policies. We are free to move someplace that better matches our ideology, which some people should consider doing.

[my54ford]

Originally Posted by Thedosius

Well, the U.S. is a collection of states who have a degree of autonomy over their fiscal policies. We are free to move someplace that better matches our ideology, which some people should consider doing.

Already planned!!!

[Kavalier]

Originally Posted by

We are free to move someplace that better matches our ideology, which some people should consider doing.

Mark Dayton: "...find another State!"

[Thedosius]

Originally Posted by Kavalier

Mark Dayton: "...find another State!"

Hey pal, if you want a Mississippi economy, move to Mississippi. I want a Minnesota economy, so I'll stay put.

[Kavalier]

Originally Posted by Thedosius

Hey pal, if you want a Mississippi economy, move to Mississippi. I want a Minnesota economy, so I'll stay put.

My ancestors helped build the infrastructure of this state, on their backs - their blood, sweat and tears. I've got as much or more right to be in this State as anyone.


I will stay right where I am as good and d-mn well long as I please.


Better me, a working, taxpaying, home-owning citizen than some welfare leach up here from South Chicago (which my neighborhood has more than enough of I can assure you), or some "refugee" who has moved here because they know they are going to get a free ride until they kick the bucket.

[Thedosius]

Originally Posted by Kavalier

My ancestors helped build the infrastructure of this state, on their backs - their blood, sweat and tears. I've got as much or more right to be in this State as anyone.


I will stay right where I am as good and d-mn well long as I please.


Better me, a working, taxpaying, home-owning citizen than some welfare leach up here from South Chicago (which my neighborhood has more than enough of I can assure you), or some "refugee" who has moved here because they know they are going to get a free ride until they kick the bucket.

Yes, you can stay as long as you please. The thing is, you are apparently no longer pleased to stay. Man up, take charge of your life, and find the place that works for you.

[Glenfield]

Originally Posted by Thedosius

Hey pal, if you want a Mississippi economy, move to Mississippi. I want a Minnesota economy, so I'll stay put.

You seem consistently disparage states like Mississippi and Alabama with significant black populations. Could be your white privilege is showing. Or at least your preference for being around white folks.