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State Representative Michael Beard
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8872
For more information contact: Jodi Boyne 651-296-0640
NEWS COLUMN
WHERE IS MY REFUND?
A couple of times over the summer I reminded you of the state's property tax refund programs. If you applied for a refund and are still waiting, you can check its status online here: https://www.mndor.state.mn.us/wm/servlets/TaxReturnsServlet You can check income tax refunds there as well. But do note that it requires you to enter some personal information, so make sure you are using a private computer when you check.
While you're on the site, don't overlook the Taxpayers' Rights Advocate section. If you're involved in a tax dispute, it may be able to help you resolve your situation. It can't change laws or substitute for real legal counsel, but it can make sure that your rights as a taxpayer are not being violated or help you navigate through the government to find someone who may be able to help. Check it out.
Also, a word on transportation - You might have seen the article in the Star Tribune about the push to eliminate the remaining stoplights along Hwy 169. We were able to get some of the stoplights removed by accelerating funding back in 2003 and I'm glad to see continued interest in removing the rest. The question, like so many others, involves finding the funding and I was very surprised to hear Senate Transportation Chair Steve Murphy tell MPR that raising the gas tax again is not an option. "Definitely not the gas tax. We're going to be moving away from that," he told them.
Frankly, I welcome Senator Murphy in joining those of us who have known for a long time that just raising the gas tax is not a viable long-term solution. We're already seeing people drive less, which means the state gets less in gas taxes, and as cars become more efficient and automakers move away from gasoline engines, the decline in fuel tax revenue will only continue. This is why two years ago I called for a large part of the $2.2 billion surplus to be used for road and bridge construction. In my first term I voted for a provision the Governor has asked for to study a mileage based system of user fees - the more you drive, the more you pay. I hope Senator Murphy sticks to his word and I look forward to working with him to find a sustainable, long-term transportation funding solution.
I hope you are having a great fall and enjoying this tremendous weather!
News Items
- 2013 Legislative Survey Results - (Posted: May 14 2013 9:07AM)
- State Budget Round Two: Increased taxes, spending on the horizon - (Posted: May 3 2013 10:27AM)
- Tax increases unnecessary with positive budget news - (Posted: Mar 11 2013 12:00AM)
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