ST. PAUL, MN – A new Star Tribune poll conducted from June 11-13 found “broad popular support” for the DFL budget’s tax plan.
According to the poll, 58 percent of Minnesotans support an income tax increase on the wealthiest Minnesotans, compared to 36 percent opposed.
Rep. Carly Melin (DFL—Hibbing) and Rep. Jason Metsa (DFL—Virginia) said the poll results confirm that Minnesotans support the budget approach DFL majorities took during the 2013 Legislative Session.
“Asking the wealthiest Minnesotans to chip in a little more allowed us to pay for investments in priorities like our children’s education,” said Rep. Melin. “I can think of no better investment than expanding access to preschool, providing all-day Kindergarten for every child, and putting more resources into the K-12 formula. Our tax bill makes all of that possible. I think that’s why it’s so popular.”
“Instead of balancing the budget on the backs of the most vulnerable Minnesotans, we asked the rich to pay their fair share,” said Rep. Metsa. “It’s something we campaigned on and it’s one of the reasons DFLers took back control of the Legislature. The new revenue in our budget pays for a two-year tuition freeze and more financial aid for college students. It pays for middle class property tax relief and more Local Government Aid so folks can continue receiving the kinds of high-quality services like police officers and firefighters that they expect and deserve. Those are priorities that Minnesotans broadly share.”
The Star Tribune poll comes on the heels of news from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announcing that Minnesota has one of the fastest-growing economies in the country.
According to DEED, a study by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that Minnesota’s GDP climbed 3.5 percent in 2012, which tied for fifth place in growth among all states. The study also found that Minnesota has one of the country’s lowest unemployment rates, ranking 11th nationally in April at 5.3 percent.
“Our future is very bright,” said Rep. Melin when asked about the announcement from DEED. “Minnesota is a national economic leader because this is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. The budget we passed keeps us on the path towards job growth and educational excellence. It’s a proven recipe for a strong economy.”
“I think you’ll see businesses and families start to flock to our state,” added Rep. Metsa. “They’ll want to take advantage of our good business climate, strong schools, and affordable health care rates. When people look back in 20 to 30 years, I think they’ll say this was the moment when lawmakers finally made the kinds of tough decisions that were needed to move our state forward.”