Category Archives: government

Reflections six years after the financial crisis

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Tom Bengtson

It was six years ago that the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Department of the Treasury helped to facilitate the acquisition of Bear Stearns by JP Morgan Chase. The deal was sealed on a Sunday, March 16. JP Morgan Chase … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, government | 1,325 Comments

Note to Minnesota lawmakers: Business-to-business tax proposal should be dropped

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Tom Bengtson

As the legislature considers a variety of tax reform options, I urge lawmakers to reject the implementation of a business-to-business sales tax. In his tax reform proposal, Gov. Dayton advocates for a reduction in the state sales tax rate but … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, government | 1,308 Comments

Micobusiness entrepreneurship is key to job growth

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Tom Bengtson

The “micro” end of the small business sector offers valuable opportunity for employment growth; policymakers interested in expanding employment in Minnesota should do everything they can to encourage microbusinesses, also called SOHO (small office/home office) businesses. Use the term “small … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, government | 417 Comments

Amendment to determine who gets to vote on marriage question

Posted on October 12, 2012 by Tom Bengtson

The outcome of the Nov. 6 vote won’t stop the debate over the legal definition of marriage in Minnesota. Importantly, however, it will determine which Minnesotans get a meaningful voice in that debate. If the “vote no” side wins, only … Continue reading →

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Posted in government, State law | 1,643 Comments

Tax policy clarity would give economy a boost

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Tom Bengtson

Planning is essential to good business management, but lately it has become very difficult for most business owners to plan out very far.  I am convinced the inability to plan is preventing many small business owners from expanding. Economic, political … Continue reading →

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Posted in business, government | 8,982 Comments

A primer on next year’s election

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Tom Bengtson

 If President Obama wins reelection in 2012, it will be difficult for him to advance a domestic policy agenda because Republicans are likely to retain control of the House of Representatives, said Larry Sabato, the political expert from the University … Continue reading →

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Posted in government | 1,474 Comments

Some perspectives on state budgets.

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Tom Bengtson

I like this speech Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke delivered recently in New York. He is talking about state budgets and some of the issues that come up that make it so difficult for lawmakers to match expenses to revenue. He … Continue reading →

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Posted in government | 471 Comments