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State Representative Tim Kelly
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8635
For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317
NEWS COLUMN
AREA RESIDENTS DO NOT SUPPORT DEMOCRAT TAX INCREASE PROPOSALS
Several weeks ago I sent out my 2009 Legislative Survey, which allowed folks to answer questions that were likely to be debated at the State Capitol this year.
One of the questions centered on our budget deficit, and residents were asked if they would support tax hikes or spending reductions in order to solve this mammoth shortfall. The numbers, while not finalized, overwhelmingly opposed tax increases.
Ironically enough, House and Senate Democrats this week unveiled tax increase proposals that will affect every Minnesotan.
Under these proposals, if you work, you’d pay higher income taxes. You’d face increased taxes for cigarettes and beer. You’d pay taxes if you download a song, or if you sell your boat or ATV. You’d also lose the opportunity to deduct charitable donations, property taxes and mortgage interest from your income taxes, and you’d lose tax credits for education and dependent care expenses.
There’s no doubt that Minnesota needs more revenue, and the best way to make that happen is to create jobs. Minnesota can take a stand this session by making it more of a business-friendly state. To do that, we need to provide incentives for companies to expand, to put more people to work and put them on the tax rolls. Raising taxes on people struggling – families that may already be working two or three jobs to pay their bills – is not the right approach.
If my survey is indication, many of you agree with me. The message I continue to hear is that families are cutting their budgets, and government should do the same.
If you think I’m way off base on this topic, please contact me. If there is a tax you want raised, let me know. But unless I begin hearing an outpouring of support for tax increases, I plan to fight for your pocketbooks as these tax increase bills come to the House floor.
News Items
- CONFERENCE COMMITTEES SHAPING IMPORTANT BILLS AT LEGISLATURE - (Posted: 2012-04-05 00:00:00)
- TAX RELIEF AND JOB CREATION BILL APPROVED IN MINNESOTA HOUSE - (Posted: 2012-03-22 00:00:00)
- MORE GOOD NEWS FOUND IN LATEST STATE BUDGET FORECAST - (Posted: 2012-03-06 00:00:00)
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