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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Nick Zerwas (R)

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Legislative Update (April 19, 2013)

Friday, April 19, 2013

Dear neighbor,

 

It’s been a very busy week at the Capitol with late nights and early mornings on the House floor. We’re scheduled to be in session today and tomorrow as well.

 

On Monday, we learned the details of the House DFL tax plan. If you thought Governor Dayton’s tax plan was bad, House Democrats managed to put forward a tax proposal that’s even worse. Their plan would raise taxes by $2.6 billion – making Minnesota the second most taxed state in the nation. On top of creating a new fourth tier income tax bracket, the House DFL plan would create a “temporary” fifth-tier income tax bracket. I have to admit I’m skeptical when I hear Democrats in the legislature talk about taxes being temporary. The last so-called temporary tax passed in 1991 – a half-cent sales tax increase – still exists today. House Democrats also want to impose higher taxes on your beer, wine, and distilled spirits. What a buzz kill! Ultimately, this plan means that hard-working taxpayers will pay more to the government. I believe you pay enough in taxes and continue to oppose higher taxes on hard-working Minnesotans.

 

While the tax increases are bad enough, House Democrats continue to put forward wasteful spending projects including $28 million for Explore Minnesota advertising, $5 million to bail out St. Paul with loan forgiveness for the St. Paul River Centre, $360,000 to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for marketing consultants to rebrand state programs, and $300,000 in funding for bee habitat restoration including $50,000 earmarked for signs for bee habitats! I don’t like bees but at least they don’t sting you in the pocketbook like Democrats here in St. Paul.

 

We know that government taking more money from taxpayers won’t make our economy healthier. We should be prioritizing spending and cutting the waste so taxpayers can keep more of their hard-earned dollars.

 

I will continue to keep you updated as the legislative session moves forward. Please feel free to contact me on any state issue. I can be reached via email at rep.nick.zerwas@house.mn. To contact me by phone, call (651) 296-4237. Mail can be sent to Rep. Nick Zerwas, 303 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.

 

Please feel free to share this update with friends and family and encourage them to sign up for my email updates by clicking here and putting in your contact information.

 

Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Nick