The DFL members of the House of Representatives - and our DFL candidates across the state – believe the most important way to revive our economy and set the stage for long-term prosperity is a strong and vibrant middle class. That’s because Minnesota is strongest when middle class families have basic economic security, a realistic chance to get ahead, and enough money in their pockets to enjoy the great quality of life Minnesota has to offer.

For too long, Republicans in the legislature have pushed an agenda that protects rich special interests while squeezing middle class families with higher property taxes, tuition and health care costs. They have pushed an extreme partisan agenda that has led to gridlock and inaction on the important issues facing Minnesota families.

Instead of standing up for rich special interests, the House DFL will stand up for middle class families and work to solve problems on the issues important to Minnesotans. Our middle class agenda will focus on the right priorities to move Minnesota forward:

JOBS: With over 150,000 Minnesotans still out of work, jobs are our top priority. Rather than focus on narrow, trickle-down economic policies that have failed us in the past, the House DFL is focused on a broad economic agenda – one that helps Minnesotan businesses grow and retain jobs while investing in education and job retraining so Minnesotans can secure good paying jobs in high demand fields.

EDUCATION: Quality education is the key to competing for 21st century jobs. We need to invest in our world-class education system – at every level - in order to prepare Minnesota students to become leaders in our ever-changing and competitive global economy. In addition, the House DFL will work to reverse the damage of a Republican agenda that borrowed over $2 billion from Minnesotans schools to plug a short-term budget.

HEALTH CARE: Health care costs continue to squeeze middle class families with higher premiums and deductibles. Republican cuts have frayed our safety net for seniors and the disabled which pushes costs even higher. Minnesota needs to lead, not follow on health care. Guided by our bipartisan successes in the past, we should emphasize prevention and outcome-based solutions that reduce the cost of health care for all Minnesotans.

FAIR TAXES: Property taxes for middle class Minnesotans, seniors and small businesses have skyrocketed due to Republican policies that protect the richest Minnesotans and corporate special interests. We need to make our tax system fairer and simpler for middle class families – and most of all, ensure rich corporations and special interests are playing by the same rules as Minnesota families. That means closing tax loopholes for rich corporations and reducing property taxes for middle class Minnesotans.

RESPONSIBLE BUDGETS: It's time to put an end to one-time borrowing and other budget gimmicks that simply shift the burden to future generations of Minnesotans. Minnesota House DFLers all voted against the GOP budget last year that took over $2 billion from Minnesota students while doing nothing to solve our state’s long-term budget deficit. Minnesota DFLers will solve the deficit, not push the problem onto the backs of future generations.

SOLUTIONS, NOT GRIDLOCK: Last year Republicans focused on an extreme agenda and divisive constitutional amendments which led to a disastrous state shutdown and failed budget. The House DFL is focused on reaching solutions on the bread and butter issues facing Minnesotans- jobs and the economy, education, and fairer taxes for Minnesota families.