Simon Rejects Idea of Bloated Government

The recession has led to claims that the size of government is growing out of control. 

But Rep. Steve Simon (DFL-District 44A), who represents Hopkins and St. Louis Park, and other DFLers argue that this is not true. In debate at the Capitol last week, Simon pointed to three facts that he says counter the idea of bloated government: 

• State workers account for only eight percent of the state budget, including salary and benefits;
• Minnesota has fewer state employees today than it had 10 years ago;
• Minnesota is the tenth leanest state in the country when you measure state workers per capita.

During Omnibus State Government Finance Bill hearings, which ultimately passed the Republican-controlled House 75-61, Simon objected to Rep. Keith Downey’s call in January to “starve the beast” and cut government by 15 percent.