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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Nolan West (R)

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Rep. West Legislative Update

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Hello from St. Paul,

 

Recently the House Majority passed its comprehensive taxes plan. What is lacking is significant tax relief for all hardworking Minnesotans.

 

We entered this session with a more than $9 billion budget surplus – a record breaking amount. With this type of available revenue, the House majority had the opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of all Minnesotans by approving numerous permanent tax relief proposals. Instead, it ultimately decided to spend the majority of the surplus and significantly increase our future financial obligations, as the Democrat budget would spend more than $21 for every $1 they offer in tax reductions.

 

To be fair, the majority did provide some tax credits in this proposal. But when it comes to actually cutting tax rates for Minnesotans of any income level, there is nothing to be found. This is problematic as our economy continues to cause significant financial problems as residents are having difficulty paying the bills. Permanent tax relief would have been welcomed by all taxpayers, but the House majority went a different direction.

 

State government was fully funded last year, and we still have roughly $7 billion remaining in surplus funding. Government does not need any more of your money.

 

From here, expect a House/Senate conference committee to work on a compromise proposal that can be approved by both legislative bodies. It is entirely possible that when the conference committee work is complete, we will see a bill that includes actual tax rate cuts. But it is also possible that the differences can’t be worked out. If that happens, whatever surplus remains will must be handled next session as the year 2023 is another budget setting year.

 

Talk to you soon,

 

Nolan

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