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State Representative Tim Sanders
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4226
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
MINNESOTANS SHOULD KEEP THEIR MONEY
By Tim Sanders
State Representative
Starting this past week the discussion in St. Paul has centered on tax increases. With all of the proposals to raise your taxes, it is unfortunate the Majority cannot find other ways to reduce the deficit. Here is a small sampling of all the taxes they want to raise.
All families will see higher taxes because of the elimination of deductions for property taxes, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. Other income tax credits that would be repealed include credits for childcare expenses, K-12 education expenses, long-term care insurance premiums, and health insurance premiums. These are basic needs for Minnesota citizens. Elimination of these credits, which all Minnesotans are accustomed to and reliant upon, will make already hard times more difficult.
By taxing their health insurance and children’s education even more we are putting these things out of reach for some families. By taking away mortgage interest deductions we would make home ownership unattainable for some people. For those who already own a home it would make it even more difficult to balance their budgets. Taxing charitable donations means nonprofit groups would see fewer donations during these economic troubles as well.
There are also income tax increases as part of this which would hit all income levels. The bottom income bracket would jump from a 5.35 percent tax rate to 6 percent. It would increase the other tax rates from 7.05 percent to 7.7 percent and from 7.85 percent to 8.5 percent. A new fourth tier tax would be implemented and hit married couples making more than $250,000 a year at 9.2 percent.
Keep in mind these are not the only taxes they want to raise. They also want to raise taxes on your beer, digital downloads, car sales, and allow counties to increase the sales tax. They seem to have left no tax increase behind.
The Majority in the Legislature needs to listen to the public, and come to the realization that the average Minnesota family simply cannot afford the repercussions of these tax increases. Family budgets would be further stretched with an increase in taxes, making daily life and basic necessities even more unattainable.
While the state and the country as a whole are facing difficult financial situations, the Majority has seemingly lost sight of the priorities of Minnesotans. Priorities should be focused on putting more money into the pockets of the people of Minnesota, instead of taking more out of them.
The Governor has promised to veto these tax increasing bills. With his support I am confident we can hold the line on tax increases, and make sure our families keep their hard earned money.
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News Items
- 2013 Legislative Survey Results - (Posted: May 14 2013 10:16AM)
- Legislative Update from Rep. Sanders - (Posted: Mar 14 2013 12:00AM)
- Budget Outlook Improves - (Posted: Mar 1 2013 5:38PM)
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