Today Senate Republican leaders presented a win-win option for Minnesotans still waiting for tax cuts while Democrats jam a bonding bill through the House floor without the votes needed to pass the Senate.
Watch the Press Conference here
“We want to make sure the Bonding bill gets through, but we are very concerned that the tax cuts get through as well. As the House debates their bonding bill, that bill is dead on arrival until we see tax cuts. It’s March 6th, it’s very early for a bonding bill in session, but we could easily get it done early if we get the tax cuts Minnesotans need,” Republican Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (East Grand Forks) said. “This could be a win-win. We are ready to pass tax cuts and a bonding bill, but we have to put the needs of Minnesotans first.”
“How can we, in good conscience, go back to the taxpayers with a historic nearly $18 billion surplus, and put $2 billion on the state’s credit card and not give a penny of your hard-earned dollars back,” Republican Bonding Lead Karin Housley (Stillwater) asked. “Whether we pass a bonding bill today or in May, the bonds are issued in August, so there is no real reason to put borrowing ahead of tax relief for Minnesotans.”
“It’s time for us to recognize that when we have a historic surplus, it is time to bring some tax relief to the people of Minnesota,” Republican Tax Lead Bill Weber (Luverne) said. “We recognize there is a need for a bonding bill, but if you leave the tax bill until the end of session and are looking at a proposed increase of $11 billion in the budget, how much of the surplus will be left for taxpayers? That’s why we need tax relief to be front and center.”
Senate and House Republicans proposed the Give It Back tax plan last week. It totals $13 billion in tax relief including the elimination of the social security tax, income tax cuts, property tax relief, a child tax credit, and rebate checks.