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State Representative Rick Hansen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828
For more information contact: Charlene Briner 651-296-5809
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PROPERTY TAX PLAN DOESN'T OFFER TAXPAYERS PERMANENT RELIEF
State Representative Rick Hansen expressed his disappointment that the House property tax rebate plan passed today resorted to gimmickry rather than real and lasting property tax relief.
"I would have preferred to pass a bill that addressed the underlying causes of property tax increases caused by misguided budget policies over the past three years," said Hansen. "The rebate gimmick is to property tax relief what the U.S. Senate Gas Tax Rebate is to sound energy policy."
Hansen opposed the plan because it ignores renters, relies on the still unknown outcome of the state's cigarette tax/fee court case, and doesn't address the long-term budget imbalances that caused the skyrocketing property tax increases of the past several years.
According to Hansen, a number of amendments were offered that would have provided long-term property tax relief to all types of property in Minnesota, but the majority would only allow a vote on one. "We voted on an amendment to include renters, but were defeated 66-67," stated Hansen.
"We had a number of proposals that provided for real, long-term property tax relief - not just a one-time election year gimmick. I am a strong supporter of property tax relief and would love to send money back to our residents. It just needs to be done in a fair and responsible way to address the long-term causes of increasing property taxes," said Hansen.
"Over the last three years, property taxes in Minnesota increased by $2.2 billion. Homeowners have shouldered $1.5 billion of that increase, paying more for essential services like education, public safety and health care." Hansen said. " We have an opportunity this year to relieve some of that burden - and we should do it in a real way."
News Items
- Rep. Rick Hansen chosen as leader of Great Lakes Legislative Caucus - (Posted: Dec 27 2012 8:34AM)
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