ST. PAUL —State Representative Jeff Backer, R-Browns Valley, issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tim Walz's 2021-2022 budget proposal. Gov. Walz is proposing $1.7 billion in new taxes including a 10 percent hike to Minnesota's top tax bracket, a 15 percent hike to Minnesota's business tax, and regressive tax hikes on cigarettes and vaping products that disproportionately hit low-income Minnesotans. The Governor is proposing just .3% in cuts ($150 million) out of a $52+ billion budget.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused tremendous social and economic damage to Minnesotans,” said Rep. Backer. “At a time when many are unemployed and even more are hurting financially, it is simply unconscionable that Governor Walz is seeking to raise taxes and grow the size of government. It is time for government to share in the sacrifice, that’s why I am in favor of reduced spending and a more streamlined state budget.”
Lawmakers and the Governor must pass a new two-year budget by June 30 to avoid a state government shutdown.
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