From TwinCities.com:

Calling Minnesota a “welfare magnet,” House Republican leaders on Wednesday proposed holding benefits for new Minnesotans to the level provided wherever they came from, whether it’s Wisconsin, North Dakota or Somalia.

Spearheaded by Rep. Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, Republicans pointed to a Department of Human Services analysis showing that close to 14 percent of all state welfare recipients moved to Minnesota within 12 months of applying for benefits. The newcomers should get the same benefits as those provided in their previous state or nation, Seifert said.

“There’s little doubt that our reputation for granting generous welfare benefits can attract people to Minnesota, and ultimately, taxpayers are asked to pick up the bill,” Seifert said.

The Legislature faces a daunting $4.8 billion budget deficit, and Seifert said his proposal would help balance the budget. However, the proposal is not likely to close the gap significantly.

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