Legislative Update from Rep. Josh Heintzeman

Dear Neighbors,

It’s been a busy week in St. Paul as Governor Walz released details of his 2021-2022 budget proposal on Tuesday. The release of the governor’s budget proposal is the first step in the process of approving a new two-year state budget. As a reminder, the Minnesota Constitution requires the legislature and Governor to negotiate and approve a balanced budget during odd-numbered years.

The Governor’s budget is headlined by nearly $1.7 billion in tax increases, major spending hikes, and almost no meaningful spending cuts.

In fact, out of a budget of more than $52 billion, the Governor is proposing just $150 million in budget cuts. That's not even a 0.3% reduction in spending and is insultingly low especially when compared to Minnesota families that have seen their incomes dramatically fall off the table thanks to his mandated business shutdowns.

As for the tax increases, the Governor is proposing a 15% tax increase on businesses and a 10% hike on Minnesota’s top tax bracket. The business taxes would vault Minnesota to the 2nd highest rate in the nation and the income tax hike would move us to the 3rd highest income tax rate in America.

It should come as zero surprise that I am 100% opposed to this irresponsible budget proposal.

Governor Walz and Democrats are resorting to their old, tired playbook of “tax and spend” by seeking to grow the size of government and take more of your hard-earned money at a time when so many are hurting because of government-mandated shutdowns.

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 the government’s continued intrusion into our daily lives.

Thankfully, many of the Governor’s proposals have little chance of being implemented. We have our work cut out for us, but I am committed to continuing to work hard for you, your family and the state of Minnesota to ensure we recover from the social and economic costs incurred by the Governor’s bungled response to COVID-19.

Staying in Touch

Please do not hesitate to contact me to share your thoughts and concerns regarding state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or via email at rep.josh.heintzeman@house.mn.

God bless,

Josh