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State Representative John Persell
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5516
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
Press/News Releases
PROPERTY TAX HIKE SHOULD NOT BE FIRST APPROACH TO SOLVING DEFICIT
ST. PAUL, MN – State Rep. John Persell said the property tax increases proposed this week by the new Republican House majority are too big, and too soon.
“We all understand that we have a significant budget deficit, and I think we all know that some tough cuts are coming," said Persell. “What I would hope, however, is that before legislation is introduced to increase property taxes by another $600 million we could consider every option available to us.
This is not a race to the finish line.”
According to Persell, property taxes have increased by 85% over recent years, placing a disproportionate burden on seniors, farmers and young families.
Property taxes on businesses alone have increased by $800 million since 2002. The proposed legislation would add another $130 million on top of that.
“My top priority right now is to protect and create jobs for Minnesotans,” said Persell. “Increasing taxes on the job creators is a step in the wrong direction.”
The proposed legislation would trigger property tax increases by cutting Local Government Aid (LGA) by the following:
Bemidji $490,000
Park Rapids 158,000
Cass Lake 9,500
“I think we should step back, get some public feedback, and consider every other option available, such as improving efficiencies through redesign or the zero-based budgeting the Republicans proposed just last week,” said Persell. “Property tax hikes of this magnitude should not be the very first approach to solving our state budget deficit.
Rep. Persell can be reached at 651-296-5516, by email at rep.john.persell@house.mn, or by mail at 223 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155.
News Items
- Rep. Persell: We Must Come Together to Help Citizens, Businesses Affected by Disaster - (Posted: 2012-08-16 00:00:00)
- Rep. Persell: Today’s Hearing an Important First Step - (Posted: 2012-08-07 00:00:00)
- Rep. Persell: Omnibus Tax Bill Exemplifies Irresponsible Budgeting - (Posted: 2012-05-01 00:00:00)
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