A Message from Mark

Hello Kennedy Supporter,

April was an extremely busy month for both my campaign and family. I celebrated my birthday on April 11th and the next day Debbie and I celebrated our 26th year of marriage. Each year I become more appreciative of Debbie and her devotion to our family, service to the community, and commitment to the people of Minnesota. For those of you who haven’t met Debbie in person yet, I hope you have the opportunity over the next six months. She is incredible!

April 15th is a day we all know, but few look forward to. Did you know that our federal tax code is 7 times longer than the Bible? As a CPA, I can assure you, there is no good news in the federal tax code. We must pass tax simplification. It’s overdue. The tax code has become a full-time employment bill for lobbyists and lawyers who get paid millions to protect each and every loophole. Unfortunately, the President’s tax reform commission came up with a plan that only Washington could love. It wasn’t bold. It just tinkers around the edges of a broken system. We need real reform making the tax code simpler, fairer and pro-jobs.

As summer driving season approaches, I know prices at the pump have been a concern to many. I’ve called for a temporary suspension of the 18.4 cents per gallon federal gas tax from Memorial Day through Labor Day to immediately lower costs at the pump. Dollars to our Highway Trust Fund would be replaced by bringing the past due accounts of deep-water oil companies up to date - holding the Highway Trust Fund harmless without raising taxes. I have also proposed redirecting $2.5 billion in tax incentives for oil companies to double the incentives for ethanol (E85), hybrids and hydrogen vehicles. In the larger energy debate, it is important to remember that we would be much further down the road to energy independence had the Energy bill become law after we first passed it in the House 5 years ago. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats blocked its progress, and because of their obstruction, we became that much more dependent on foreign oil.

I have also heard from many of you concerning illegal immigration. America is a nation of immigrants and we welcome those who come here legally. But, a nation that does not enforce its laws, including immigration law, is inviting abuse of all its laws. Border security is homeland security. I have supported efforts strengthening our borders, opposing amnesty, holding companies that knowingly hire illegal immigrants accountable, and requiring new citizens to pass an American history test in English & pledge undivided allegiance to the American flag. I also supported the REAL ID Act that requires states to obtain proof of legal residence before issuing licenses and listing visa expiration dates on the face of the card.

We also learned that 211,000 jobs were created in March, marking the 31st consecutive month of job growth. Our economy has created over 5 million new jobs in the past 3 years and the national unemployment rate – 4.7% - is lower than the average of the 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Our economy is growing strong, but it’s at risk from higher taxes, wasteful spending, too many lawsuits and excessive regulations. I will make sure we are focused on creating jobs to keep Minnesota the best place to work, live and raise a family!

My campaign continues to gain support and I’d like to ask you personally to keep moving us in the right direction. Please do one of the following to make sure that I will be able to share my message of finding common sense solutions and defending Minnesota values:

1.) Make a Contribution today! Did you know that nearly 60% of contributions in the 1st Quarter were under $25?

2.) Forward this E-mail to 10 friends and ask them to visit my Website to Sign-up for future E-mails.

3.) Volunteer at the campaign. We have volunteers in the campaign everyday and we are always looking for more help!

As I travel around Minnesota, people are excited about sending a CPA, someone who spent 20 years in business, to the U.S. Senate. Thanks for all that you do, see you on the trail ahead!

Mark Kennedy