House DFL Leader Thissen: House Republicans making it harder for ordinary Minnesotans to prosper
Saint Paul, Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Revenue released their preliminary property tax levy report for 2016 today. The report forecasts a $422 million increase in property tax levies for 2016 compared to final levies in 2015. House DFL Leader Paul Thissen released the following statement:
“Minnesota homeowners, businesses, and farmers received news today that they are facing property tax hikes totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. Given our state’s strong budget surplus, this is inexcusable.
In fact, House Republicans did not pass a single dollar of property tax relief for Minnesota families during the 2015 session. Instead, they pushed for billions in tax cuts for the owners of skyscrapers and large businesses - paid for in part by large cuts to local government aid, which would have made the problem even worse.
Democrats proved that when we prioritize ordinary Minnesotans, we can both hold down property taxes and grow Minnesota’s economy. In 2013, Gov. Dayton and DFL legislators prioritized direct property tax relief for Minnesotans in addition to local government aid for communities across the state. The result in 2014 was an overall property tax cut for homeowners in Minnesota for the first time in more than a decade. These are the kind of priorities we should pursue next session.
Whether it is raising tuition or raising property taxes, House Republicans are making it harder for ordinary families to prosper. That’s the wrong way to build a stronger future for Minnesota.”