For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5491
April 25, 2013
For Immediate Release
ST. CLOUD LAWMAKER ISSUES STATEMENT ON 2013 TAX OMNIBUS BILL
ST. PAUL – State Representative Tama Theis (R - St. Cloud) issued the following statement regarding House File 677, the 2013 Omnibus Tax Bill on the floor of the Minnesota House of Representatives today. If passed, the bill would introduce one of the largest tax increases in state history, paid for with new income taxes on small businesses, tobacco, alcohol, consumer goods, mining, and the elimination of the charitable giving tax deduction:
“St. Cloud’s families and businesses are asked today to give up more in order to fuel historic state spending that the state has never seen before. HF667, paired with new fees, will take $3 billion more from Minnesota’s hardworking taxpayers, hitting low-income groups, seniors, families, and everyone in between.
I came to the legislature to look out for the well-being of my constituents, improve our business climate, and grow jobs. We can do this through more efficient, effective and responsible government. Today’s action by the House takes us in the wrong direction.
I have heard loud and clear from St. Cloud’s job creators. I’ve owned and operated a small business for three decades and have lived the impacts of our state policies each day. This legislation will force some employers to leave the state, make layoffs, raise prices, or just shut down. While the state’s financial situation continues to be extremely positive, my colleagues in the Majority have selected to tax Minnesotans nearly six times more than would be needed to balance our budget. This is a one-sided solution and lacks bipartisan support or true balance our constituents deserve.”
Rep. Tama Theis is a first-term legislator from St. Cloud and serves on the House Commerce, Government Operations, and Higher Education Committees.