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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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HOUSE BUDGET TARGETS STICK TO THE BASICS
ST. PAUL – After pledging to "Stick to the Basics," lawmakers in the House have delivered on that pledge by unveiling budget targets for the next biennium that focus on the key issues of significant property tax relief, fair funding for Minnesota schools, and health care reform.
Highlights of the 2008-2009 Budget proposal include:
· $535 million in significant, permanent statewide property tax relief and reform, including school levy reductions, market value credits, property-tax refunds and increased local government aid.
· $919 million in new education spending, including voluntary All-Day Kindergarten across the state.
· A Cover-All-Kids health care initiative that will provide coverage for the approximately 70,000 Minnesota children currently without health insurance.
Tina Liebling and Kim Norton, State Representatives from Rochester, have been working hard throughout the session to provide meaningful property tax relief for taxpayers, secure fair funding for Minnesota schools, and make health care more affordable for all Minnesotans. They are very encouraged that these new budget targets will address these key issues of concern.
"Earlier this week, we learned that property taxes are expected to go up by a record $603 million next year," said Rep. Liebling. "The House budget proposal provides tax fairness and balance, and will benefit every property tax payer in Minnesota, while investing in our future."
To help pay for these significant, statewide property tax cuts, in addition to the one-time surplus, the budget resolution would create a fourth state income tax bracket for couples earning more than $400,000 (after deductions) and individuals earning more than $226,000 (after deductions). All of the revenue from the new bracket will be used exclusively for property tax relief.
Rep. Norton went on to say, "As a former member of the Rochester School Board, I am encouraged that these budget targets demonstrate our commitment to improving K-12 education. By adequately investing in our schools, the future of our children and the future of our economy will benefit significantly. I am proud to be a part of this effort that will finally deliver Minnesota schools the funding they need to put our children on track to success."
Reps. Norton and Liebling were also encouraged that the budget targets addressed the need for health care reform citing the fact that 70,000 children in our state are currently denied access to medical care because they lack health insurance. By addressing this pressing need, Reps. Norton and Liebling believe the state is taking a step in the right direction.
Additional revenue to fund these initiatives will come from the closing of tax loopholes from Foreign Operating Corporations (FOCs) and improved tax compliance.
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- It’s Time for Legislature to Get Back to Basics, Balance the Budget Honestly - (Posted: 2012-12-11 00:00:00)
- Second Saturday Coffee Meeting Date Changed to December 9 - (Posted: 2012-12-03 00:00:00)
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