Dear Neighbors,
It was another busy week in St. Paul, headlined by the release of Governor Walz’s 2021-2022 budget proposal.
The proposal is headlined by $1.7 billion in new taxes including a 10 percent income tax hike, 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 COVID-19 pandemic has caused tremendous social and economic damage to Minnesotans. 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.
I recorded a short video on this topic that you can watch here or by clicking the photo below.
California Cars Mandate Update
Governor Walz and his administration continue pushing the harmful California Cars Mandate. By following California's Cars Mandate, we would be the only state in the Midwest subject to pricey regulations set by bureaucrats 1700+ miles away.
This is wrong for Minnesota and would drive up the price of vehicles.
Please be sure to make your voice heard by attending a public meeting on this topic or by submitting a comment for the official record.
You can read more about how to submit a public comment by visiting this link: https://bit.ly/3a9tOo0.
Click here or the picture below to watch a brief video I recorded on this topic.
Staying in Touch
That’s all for this week’s update. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to share any thoughts, concerns, or questions you may have. I can be reached by phone at either 651-296-4929 or 701-361-1909. I can also be reached via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn.
Have a good day,
Jeff