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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Nick Zerwas (R)

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ZERWAS DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM GOVERNOR DAYTON

Friday, January 25, 2013

For Immediate Release:                                            For more information contact:

January 25, 2013                                                       Peter Glessing 651-296-4230

                                                                       

News Release

 

ZERWAS DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM GOVERNOR DAYTON

 

ST. PAUL – Today State Representative Nick Zerwas (R-Elk River) sent a letter to Governor Dayton demanding answers about the governor’s budget proposal that would impose a sales tax on goods and services.

 

On Tuesday, January 22, Governor Dayton addressed a meeting of the members of House and Senate Republican Caucuses to answer questions about his new budget proposal. During the meeting, Zerwas asked Governor Dayton directly if he would be able to provide him and the people of Minnesota a detailed list of currently non-taxed goods and services that would be subject to the proposed new state sales tax. At the meeting, Governor Dayton deferred to Revenue Commissioner Myron Frans, who responded that he would provide it as soon as possible.

 

On Thursday, January 24, the Minnesota Department of Revenue made public the list of currently non-taxed goods and services that would be subject to the new state sales tax proposed by the governor. However, the list did not provide the details Zerwas was seeking.

 

“Unfortunately, this list is far from detailed and comprehensive. Several of the items contain the phrase “for example” on the list. This is unacceptable,” said Zerwas. “Imposing taxes on business and consumer purchases carries significant weight and this action should not be taken lightly. To properly evaluate the whole budget, the people of Minnesota need to know what the Governor wants to tax.”

 

“Members of the Dayton administration spent nearly eighteen months traveling the state to discuss tax reform. The release date of the budget has been known for months.  There is no reason this information should not have been available at the public release of the budget. Any further delay only leads to confusion and worry among Minnesota citizens and businesses,” said Zerwas. “I am calling on Governor Dayton to release the full list of what is currently not taxed that will be taxed under your budget proposal without further delay.”

 

 

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