To the editor of the Sun ThisWeek:
In just our second week back at the state capitol, I proudly joined House lawmakers from both parties to approve $500 million in tax cuts for middle class Minnesotans and small businesses.
In addition to repealing three business-to-business taxes, the bill cuts middle class taxes by conforming our state tax code to the federal tax code, which simplifies the filing process and eliminates burdens like the “marriage penalty.” 650,000 families would save an average of $115 per year by eliminating the marriage penalty alone.
I cannot overstate the importance of quickly enacting these middle class tax cuts. With Minnesotans filing their returns right now, time is of the essence. Lawmakers should make sure individuals, families and businesses can count on additional savings.
Thanks to a $1.2 billion budget surplus resulting from the hard work of businesses and workers, lawmakers can cut taxes while maintaining a structurally balanced budget into the future.
Additional tax cuts for families and businesses would help us build on the progress Minnesota continues to make. For example, as a result of the direct property tax relief for homeowners and renters in the budget passed by the Legislature last year – along with the help of good work by counties and cities around the state – a new non-partisan report shows that overall statewide property taxes are dropping for the first time in over a decade.
Overall, homeowners will see a $161 million decrease in property taxes in 2014, a 4.9 percent decrease from last year. In Dakota County, about 25,000 homeowners will see their Homestead Credit Refund increase by an average of $237 and roughly 7,000 renters will see their Renters Credit increase by an average of $162. Those are real dollars that families can spend on necessities like gas, groceries and school supplies.
I strongly encourage you to apply for a property tax refund if you are eligible. You can check your eligibility and download the application form (M1PR) by visiting the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s website at www.revenue.state.mn.us. If you need any assistance, please contact me by calling (651) 296-5387 or sending an email to rep.will.morgan@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Will Morgan
State Representative, District 56B (Burnsville and Lakeville)