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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tony Jurgens (R)

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REP. JURGENS: GOVERNOR’S BUDGET TOO PRICEY

Thursday, February 2, 2017

ST. PAUL – Governor Dayton recently outlined his budget recommendations to the legislature, and State Representative Tony Jurgens (R-Cottage Grove) said the governor’s plan is too heavy on spending and tax increases, and too light on tax relief for hardworking Minnesotans.

 

“I’m sure his target is simply a starting point, but when you want to increase government spending by nearly ten percent and raise taxes and fees in the face of a $1.4 billion surplus, that approach is going to be met with resistance,” Jurgens said.

 

Governor Dayton is proposing a $45.8 billion budget over the next two-year budget cycle, which represents a roughly a ten percent increase over the $41.5 billion FY 2016-17 budget.

 

Despite Minnesota's $1.4 billion surplus, the governor is also proposing a $1.4 billion tax increase on trips to the doctor by extending the provider tax, and $1.5 billion in new taxes and fees in the next biennium alone by increasing the gas tax, tab fees, the Metro area sales tax, new license/title surcharges, and more.

 

“The people I’ve spoken with are expecting lawmakers to rein in our spending a bit and get the money back through some meaningful tax reform to middle class taxpayers,” Jurgens said. “I expect our budget to come in significantly less than what the governor proposed, but hopefully he will once again join legislative leadership in working towards a workable budget compromise.”