On Monday evening, Senate Republicans passed a pro-growth tax bill that will provide over $900 million in tax relief to Minnesotans. The plan will especially benefit low- and middle-income Minnesota families and those in Greater Minnesota.

“After seven hours of debate, we passed tax relief that will put more money in the pockets of Minnesotans,” said Sen. Andrew Mathews (R-Milaca). “This money belongs to the people, not the government. Relief for low- and middle-income Minnesotans is long past due.”

Tax relief will come in the form of a permanent cut to the lowest income tax bracket, as well a phase-out of the tax on Social Security benefits for seniors, and a tax credit for college graduates paying off loans. Farmers across Greater Minnesota, the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, will see additional tax relief through a property tax credit for agricultural land and a change to the estate tax. Finally, an exemption from the statewide business property tax and incentives for small businesses are also included in the bill.

In all, 81% of Minnesota taxpayers, including 350,000 seniors and 2.3 million households, will see relief under the Senate Republican plan.

“It has been 17 years since Minnesotans have seen meaningful, substantive tax relief. We must change that,” Sen. Mathews continued. “Too many people believe that tax dollars are the government’s money to use as the government sees fit. That is a false narrative. These dollars belong to the people of Minnesota and the overtaxed citizens of our state deserve to see relief.”

Sen. Mathews represents Senate District 15, which includes communities in Benton, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne, and Wright counties.