You may have read about our new Advancing Minnesota agenda. This is our vision for the state of Minnesota, so you can be confident about what we believe is the best path for our state and hold us accountable for our ideas.

We have already unveiled the top two priorities of our agenda: tax relief and funding for roads and bridges.

Our $900 million tax relief plan is the foundation of our Advancing Minnesota agenda. The last time Minnesotans had real tax rate cuts was 17 years ago, but since then we’ve had to pay more for gas, sales, and income taxes. Our plan reduces rates for middle-income Minnesotans, reduces income taxes on social security, provides relief for college graduates paying off their student loans, provides property tax credits for agricultural land, and brings our estate tax in line with federal law. Bottom line: every taxpayer in Minnesota will benefit under our plan, with relief targeted to middle income Minnesotans.

Funding for roads and bridges has to be a priority because previous legislatures haven’t been able to reach an agreement on funding, even though there is agreement on the need. Our plan to Advance Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure invests billions over the next decade using existing money – like dedicated vehicle-related sales taxes – and one-time money from trunk highway bonds and federal dollars. Safe, reliable roads and bridges are crucial to state commerce and depended on by millions of families every day. Our plan shows it is possible to address our priorities and still protect taxpayers.

This column was originally published in the Northfield News. Read the full column here:  http://www.southernminn.com/northfield_news/opinion/article_5e3ff495-b88f-51b7-b99c-b2f4d894fba7.html