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State Representative Leon Lillie
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-1188
For more information contact: Christina Gosack 651-296-5524
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Rep. Leon Lillie Says Budget Surplus Should Go To Property Tax Relief
The November budget forecast released recently shows the state budget in a $1 billion surplus after several years of deficits. State Representative Leon Lillie of Maplewood called the surplus good news for the state, and is hopeful that some of this money can be directed to property tax relief.
"It's great to see the state's finances back on track," Rep. Lillie commented. "But to get there, the Governor has insisted on shifting the bills to local units of government and property taxes have sky rocketed. In Maplewood and North St. Paul, that means 10% to 18% property tax increases on average this year. As a former city council member, I don't think that's an honest way to balance the state budget."
Under current law, the surplus will also go to fixing past budgeting gimmicks. Much of the $1 billion surplus will be directed to schools to reimburse aid payments the state delayed in recent years in order to balance its books. Once the shifts are paid off, Lillie would like the remaining surplus to go to property tax relief.
"Many seniors and young families simply can't afford double-digit property tax increases," said Lillie. "I would like to see at least some of the surplus money go to tax relief for homeowners."
Lillie also encourages residents find out if they are eligible for one of the two state property tax refunds. The Regular Refund is based on your household income and the amount of property tax you pay. The Special Refund is not based on income. To qualify for the Special Refund, your net property tax must increase by at least 12% and $100. For more information or to determine if you are eligible for either of these refunds, read and fill out Form M1PR. Forms and instructions are available from the State of Minnesota http://www.taxes.state.mn.us/taxes/prop_refund/forms.shtml. You may also call the Department of Revenue at 651-296-3781.
News Items
- SUPPORTING RESPONSIBLE HOMEOWNERS AND STABILIZING NEIGHBORHOODS - (Posted: 2012-03-01 00:00:00)
- Email Update -- Feb. 16, 2012 - (Posted: 2012-02-16 00:00:00)
- 2012 LEGISLATIVE SESSION PREVIEW - (Posted: 2012-01-26 00:00:00)
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