In recent weeks, claims have been made that Minnesota’s economy has turned around because of sound fiscal management. This is not the entire story.In 2003, the state faced a budget deficit of $4.2 billion. In 2005, the state once again faced a budget deficit. During past budget deficits, fiscally conservative governors like Al Quie and Arne Carlson used a mix of spending cuts and new revenues to fix the problem. Under Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s "no new tax" pledge he took when running for governor, state lawmakers had few options to balance the budget.In the end, the Republicans balanced the budget through spending cuts, increased fees and surcharges, and shifts and gimmicks.The result of this budget is now being felt. Spending cuts have led to double-digit property tax increases and problems for our schools. Proposing a "health impact fee" rather than a "cigarette tax" has resulted in a court finding that this is unconstitutional, and the state may even be forced to pay money back to the tobacco companies. And the shifts and gimmicks cost the state its AAA bond rating and puts off paying today’s bill until tomorrow.This does not seem like good fiscal management.Citizens are starting to see that "no new taxes" really doesn’t mean no new taxes; it means increased property taxes and fees, less educational opportunities for our kids, and word games that will only cost our state more in the long run. While it’s good news that we have a budget surplus after three consecutive years of budget deficits, it’s clear that the state needs a leader who will make the tough decisions that will provide Minnesota with long-term fiscal stability.Jim VickermanState Senator, Dist. 22