Taxes split traditional alliances

Neighbors in their districts and on the house floor, Representatives Jeanne Poppe and Robin Brown often agree on and vote the same on issues. This session, however, has proven more difficult. Robin Brown offered an amendment on the house floor to save the state-promised JOBZ benefits to businesses in her district. Poppe, however, voted against Brown's amendment and the amendment failed by a vote of 68 to 65.

Shortly thereafter, the house voted on the omnibus tax bill and Brown pulled the yes lever and Poppe the no. According to Poppe, the $1.5 billion tax proposal did not propose a solution and was too big. http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=16&a=398703

In contrast, Brown indicated that she voted for the tax bill because of the local benefits and because it created a better, "balance of taxes for all people." http://www.albertleatribune.com/news/2009/may/06/albert-leans-gather-show-support-jobz-program/

It is apparent that this year's legislative session will continue to challenge traditional alliances. As detailed in a previous post, this year's real battle will come to spending in the state's two largest areas: welfare reform and education. http://tiltingagainst.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html Behind the headlines, these two areas will continue to dominate the politics of this year's session.

Also, watch closely the working relationship between Speaker of the House Margaret Kelliher and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller. They have substantially different governing styles and time will tell if they will be able to keep the DFL train on the track.
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