ST. PAUL – With an updated economic forecast just around the corner, State Representative Greg Davids (R-Preston) said the Minnesota House Taxes Committee has begun reviewing and considering portions of Governor Dayton’s budget proposal.
“There are some things I really support in the Governor’s bill, and I’m thankful that he has recognized the work we’ve done in the area of tax relief,” Davids said. “But there are also some massive tax increases in his budget that will not happen.”
Davids, who chairs the Minnesota House Taxes Committee, said there are several identical tax relief provisions in the governor’s budget that Governor Dayton vetoed last spring. They include an expansion of the Minnesota Child and Dependent Care Credit and the Working Family Credit; the expansion of a new farmer tax credit equaling 40 percent of the property tax attributable to school district debt levies; angel tax credits; and past military service credit increases along with Local Government Aid and County Program Aid increases.
Governor Dayton also wants $1.5 billion in new taxes and fees over the next two years alone by increases in the gas tax, tab fees, and new license/title surcharges. He also wants a $1.4 billion tax increase on trips to the doctor by extending the provider tax, otherwise known as the sick tax.
“The House does not want to force drivers to pay a minimum of 16 cents per gallon more at the pump, nor does it want to tax the sickest of the sick,” Davids said. “That said, I appreciate the governor’s work and look forward to a continued dialogue with him as session moves forward.”