Howes says Shutdown Not So Bad

State Representative Larry Howes predicts a 50-50 chance of a state government shutdown the end of June.  Minnesota will see a shutdown if the Governor and Republican controlled legislature can't agree on a solution to a $5 billion revenue shortfall.

The Republicans want to cut spending to control the budget, the Governor is asking for a tax increase on the top 2 percent of wage earners.

Howes says if the Governor raises the tax on rich Minnesotans, many will move out of the state and taxes would have to be raised on the middle class to cover the increased costs of government.

Howes tells KLKS News, a shutdown wouldn't be that bad, except that it could actually increase the deficit.