Accessibility menu
State Representative John Ward
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4333
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
Press/News Releases
STATE PROPERTY TAXES TO TAKE BIGGEST JUMP EVER
ST. PAUL, MN – State Representative John Ward said he was stunned to hear the news from the non-partisan Fiscal Analysis Department today that statewide property taxes are projected to take their biggest jump ever.
According to the report, property taxes statewide will increase by a record 8.9 percent next year, an increase of $603 million. The news is even worse for the Brainerd area, where taxes will go up by 11.1 percent for a total of over $16 million.
"Property owners across the state are once again being asked to shoulder the burden of an unfair state tax system," said Ward. "Since 2003, property taxes have gone up by $1.7 billion – this projected increase will put that total at $2.3 billion by next year."
Ward said he is especially concerned about the regressive nature of property taxes; they hit seniors living on a fixed income, young families who are just getting started and small businesses the hardest.
"We have senior citizens who are having to decide between staying in their homes or buying the basics, such as food or medicine," said Ward. "We clearly need a more equitable state budget."
Ward has introduced legislation that will assist low to middle income property owners by increasing the property tax refund they will receive. This bill, HF1372, will be heard in committee this week.
The bottom line, according to Ward, is that while the Governor claims his budgets do not increase taxes, they have actually been the main cause of property tax increases during the recent years.
"When you don't adequately fund schools, health care, transportation or public safety at the state level, local governments have no choice but to pick up the tab," said Ward. "As the result, property taxes go up.
I'm looking for a budget approach that will cover these top priorities without asking property owners to pay the price."
You can contact Rep. Ward at (651) 296- 4333, or 1-800-683-4205, by mail at 533 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.john.ward@house.mn.
News Items
- 2013 Legislative Session Preview - (Posted: Jan 11 2013 8:39AM)
- Assistant Majority Leader Rep. John Ward Sworn-In as Legislative Session Starts - (Posted: Jan 8 2013 2:39PM)
- Rep. John Ward Elected Assistant Majority Leader and Selected to Serve as Vice Chair of Capital Investment Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-19 00:00:00)
- Archived News Items
- Subscribe to RSS News Feeds
- Read more about RSS.