Dear neighbor,
Starting July 1, many of the laws that were passed this session will go into effect.
Taxes
Effective July 1, Minnesota’s income tax rate will be the second highest in the nation for comparative income and the fourth highest percentage in the nation through the creation of a fourth tier income tax bracket that taxes some high income earners and small businesses at 9.85% In order to help finance the Vikings stadium, the tax on cigarettes will go from $1.23 per pack to $2.83 per pack. If you download music, videos, or books online, expect to pay be paying a new sales tax as well. Did you know that the tax bill also authorized the construction of a new building for state senators? Work on that $90 million project will begin next year.
Energy
Don’t be surprised to see a jump in your monthly energy bills in the next few months. Under the solar energy mandate passed by Democrats this session that becomes effective July 1, your electric bills will skyrocket. While we need a comprehensive energy policy in Minnesota, setting arbitrary renewable energy standards makes energy more costly and less reliable for everyone.
Pay Raises
According to the Minnesota House Public Information Services, “the salary limit for about 20 agency heads will increase to 133 percent of the governor’s salary and increase thereafter annually by the Consumer Price Index.” Also, the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, and state auditor will receive a 3% increase in pay in 2015 and 2016.
I hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer!
I am always interested in your feedback. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail at Rep.Peggy.Scott@House.MN or contact my office at 651-296-4231. You can also send me mail to my office address: 201 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Sincerely,
Peggy