1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

I am writing as one of your constituents to ask you to reconsider the way taxpayer dollars are used to subsidize private businesses, particularly those with high electricity and water demands. I believe in supporting economic development when it creates clear public benefits. However, I do not believe taxpayers should be expected to absorb the ongoing operating costs of private companies simply because those companies use large amounts of public resources. If a business requires significant electricity, water, or other utilities to operate, those costs should be built into its business model—not shifted onto families and small businesses through subsidies, tax breaks, or special utility incentives. Government should focus on creating a level playing field. Small businesses, homeowners, and working families pay their own utility bills every month. Large corporations should be expected to do the same unless there is a compelling public interest and measurable return for taxpayers. If public incentives are offered, they should be transparent, temporary, and tied to clear performance standards such as job creation, wage levels, environmental responsibility, and long-term community benefits. Taxpayers deserve accountability for every public dollar spent. Thank you for your time and for representing our community. I hope you will support policies that protect taxpayers while encouraging responsible economic growth.