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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Bob Vogel (R)

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Responding to input on a variety of topics

Friday, February 6, 2015

Dear Neighbor,

 

 

Greetings from St. Paul, where I continue receiving a large amount of correspondence from the people of District 20A. Feedback on the issues is highly appreciated and today seemed like a good time to run through some of the sentiments being sent my way, along with my thoughts on those matters.

 

 

DON’T RAISE OUR GAS TAX

Gov. Dayton recently announced he was proposing a batch of new transportation taxes and one of them – a 6.5-percent wholesale tax on gasoline that translates to around 16 cents more per gallon at current prices – has sparked letters from local residents who oppose this plan.

 

 

One letter I received pointed out how middle-class families would be hurt most by this just as many are starting to feel relief from lower prices. This tax, they said, would come at a time when state government already is running a $1 billion surplus. The letter writer went on to say that putting more money back in the pockets of hard-working Americans is the best way to get this country back on the right track.

 

 

I agree that we should not rush to tax increases as the first response in funding transportation. I’m not on the transportation committee, but will carefully assess what is being proposed as proposals take shape. In general, I am not in favor of a tax increase because my belief is by doing that all we will do is allow things to go on as they have in the past (i.e. no permanent solution, just more money to allow the same mess only with delay of a few more years).

 

 

SUPPORT PRIORITIES & FEED THE PIGGY BANK

While the governor issued his $42 billion budget proposal, the House will wait until the state receives a new economic forecast in February to assemble a formal plan. The last forecast we received, in November, called for a $1 billion surplus. One recent email I received supports applying surplus funds to education and to infrastructure, with the balance kept in a rainy day fund. They indicated tough times will come back again and additional reserves would be helpful in that event.

 

 

My response is that I'll try my best to use as much common sense as possible. I respect the dollars collected in taxes and have seen too much of the taxpayers’ resources being used by a growing government that often is not careful enough with those tax dollars.

 

 

Budget-related issues are my bread and butter as a member of the banking industry for 40 years. I look forward to breaking down the economic forecast and providing my thoughts after we receive it.

 

 

STOP TAXING SOCIAL SECURITY

Other constituents are contacting me regarding how Social Security is taxed. One person noted how Minnesota is one of only five states that tax Social Security and urges support for ceasing that practice.

 

I agree we should take a good look at this subject and bills have been introduced this session to do exactly what the letter writer is asking. One bill (H.F. 304) would phase out the tax over the next five years. Reports show more than 637,000 Minnesotans stand to benefit by saving over $600 per person each and every year once the tax is fully phased out. Research shows that over 70 percent of Minnesota seniors would be positively affected by these changes.

 

 

That five-year phasing might not be soon enough for some, but we need to sort through the details of this plan and look at other proposals that may emerge this session. I am pleased this discussion is taking place and look forward to continuing it.

 

 

Take care and please keep sending me your thoughts. Until then, click here to see a brief video of me the House recently produced.

 

 

Sincerely,

Bob