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. Jason Isaacson (DFL—Shoreview) said the poll results are a clear indication the public agrees with the budget approach DFL majorities took during the 2013 Legislative Session.
“From Day One, we were transparent and up front about our plan to raise new revenue to pay for investments in priorities like education and property tax relief,” said Rep. Isaacson. “It’s something we campaigned on and it’s one of the reasons we took back control of the Legislature. We’re paying for investments in the kinds of priorities that Minnesotans broadly share, whether it’s free all-day Kindergarten for every child, tuition relief for college students, or proven programs to put Minnesotans back to work like low-interest business loans and job training—that’s why our approach is so popular.”
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.
“It’s great news,” said Rep. Isaacson when asked about the announcement from DEED. “Our investments in priorities like education and property tax relief will keep us on the path towards economic growth and long-term shared prosperity. I could not be more optimistic about our future. It’s very bright.”