ST. PAUL —State Representative Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa, 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. The Governor is proposing just .3% in cuts ($150 million) out of a $52+ billion budget.
“Once again, Governor Walz and Democrats are seeking to grow the size of government and take more of your hard-earned money at a time when so many are already hurting as a result of government mandated shutdowns,” said Rep. Heintzeman. “Instead, lawmakers owe it to hardworking Minnesotans to make sure that state government shares in the sacrifices that so many endured during 2020. That’s why we should reduce spending and stop government’s continued intrusion into our daily lives.”
Lawmakers and the Governor must pass a new two-year budget by June 30 to avoid a state government shutdown.
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