ST. PAUL —State Representative Brian Daniels, R-Faribault, 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% 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. This comes on the heels of his proposal to implement the California Cars emission standards that will raise the price of vehicles. The Governor is proposing just .3% in cuts ($150 million) out of a $52+ billion budget.
“Governor Walz’s budget proposal follows the same tired playbook of increased taxes and bigger government that only serves to take more hard-earned money out of the pockets of Minnesotans and businesses while infringing on personal liberties,” said Rep. Daniels. “Instead of growing government, we should instead balance the budget by reducing spending and streamlining government services.”
Lawmakers and the Governor must pass a new two-year budget by June 30 to avoid a state government shutdown.
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