Dear Neighbors,
On Monday, Minnesota Management and Budget released the February budget forecast, showing a projected $9.53 billion surplus — up from the $7.75 billion surplus in the December forecast.
A surplus of this size is proof that Minnesotans are being severely overtaxed and it is clear that you and your neighbors are in dire need of significant tax relief.
Remember…this surplus belongs to you, the people of Minnesota.
I support eliminating the tax on Social Security benefits and would like to see income tax rates dropped, so that all Minnesotans benefit. There is no reason for the state to have a record surplus when Minnesotans and small businesses are struggling to make ends meet with rising inflation and soaring energy prices thanks to the Biden/Walz economy.
We should also use the surplus to replenish the state’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) fund. As things currently stand, small businesses across Minnesota will be stuck with a significant tax bill if the fund isn’t refilled.
Stay tuned on this.
Public Safety
This week, House Republicans released details of their public safety proposal. The package focuses on three key areas; crime prevention and accountability for criminals; police recruitment and retention, and holding the criminal justice system accountable.
Our public safety package aims to hold criminals accountable, strengthen our criminal justice system, and bolster efforts to recruit police officers and address the shortage many of our cities are struggling with.
Minnesotans have been clear that public safety is a top priority, and it's encouraging to finally see some bipartisan interest in making our communities safer.
Staying in Touch
That’s all for today’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