ST. PAUL – Working behind closed doors out of public view, conferees have wrapped up work on a combined House/Senate Tax Bill. The total cost of the package is $1.15 billion, adjusted from the House’s initial proposal of $1.31 billion. It still contains several measures carrying massive price tags which largely benefit wealthy Minnesotans. These include cuts to the estate tax, vouchers for private school scholarships, property tax cuts for big businesses, and a cigarette tax cut included at the behest of tobacco companies.
Rep. Jennifer Schultz (DFL – Duluth) released the following statement:
“The massive size of this tax giveaway is anything but encouraging for a productive end of session. The Republican majority’s continued persistence in pushing massive tax breaks – including those sought by big tobacco – at the expense of fundamental government responsibilities like education and care for vulnerable Minnesotans is as short sighted as it is harmful.”
“If we accounted for inflation in forecasted spending, we would have very little available in a budget surplus. In fact, with these tax giveaways and the GOP’s transportation plan raiding cash from the general fund, the GOP budget would create a deficit. Looking ahead to future years, we’d be talking about massive amounts of red ink right in the laps of future legislators. Meanwhile teachers will get laid off, college tuition will rise, home care workers will see more turnover because they won’t see raises, and roads and bridges will continue to crumble. Additionally, the GOP’s underfunded education bill will likely lead to higher property taxes.”
“It’s past time for us to direct the discussion of taxes at the Capitol away from the corporate special interest wish list, and toward the reality Minnesota is facing.”
Rep. Jennifer Schultz represents Duluth in the Minnesota House, and sits on the House Taxes Committee.