Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Governor Dayton let the deadline to sign the tax bill pass on Monday night, pocket vetoing bipartisan legislation that provided more than $800 million in tax cuts over the next three years and half a billion in ongoing, permanent tax relief for middle-class Minnesotans.
I am disappointed that the governor vetoed this measure which had support of 89 percent of the legislature and would have provided meaningful tax relief to families, small businesses, veterans, farmers and college graduates in Chisago County.
Highlights of tax relief legislation that Governor Dayton vetoed includes:
- $90.6 million in tax relief for Minnesota farmers
- $110 million in tax relief for college graduates paying off student loans
- $49 million in tax relief for families who contribute to 529 plans to save for their children's college costs
- $146 million in tax relief for every small business in Minnesota
- $13 million in tax relief for Minnesota veterans
- $150 million in tax relief for working families in Chisago County by expanding the working family tax credit
- $32 million to reduce the cost of childcare in Chisago County by expanding the childcare tax credit
- Federal conformity provisions that allow Minnesotans to deduct higher education tuition expenses, mortgage insurance premiums, classroom expenses for teachers, charitable giving (for seniors), and more.
Governor Dayton had threatened to veto the bill over a minor drafting error and the restoration of a sales tax exemption that I advocated for in the House. House Republicans agreed to both changes, but it was still not enough. The governor had promised he would not hold the tax bill hostage over special session negotiations, but instead had a list of projects and spending increases that he demanded, playing politics with your tax relief and ultimately vetoing the measure.
Please know that I will continue to support meaningful tax relief and advocate for the people and priorities of Chisago County. It is a privilege to be your state representative.
Sincerely,
Bob