ST. PAUL – April 15 is recognized as Tax Day, which is the deadline for Americans to file their income tax returns. But while the income tax obligations for most Minnesotans have now been met, State Representative Bjorn Olson (R-Fairmont) said they continue to feel the pain of increased tax burdens every day thanks to the decisions made by a Democrat-controlled state government.
“The legislative majority has a bad habit of raising taxes and spending your money,” Olson said. “Unfortunately, residents are now struggling to pay the bills, and a number of the majority’s tax increases are set to take effect very soon.”
Last session, Democrats spent an $18 billion budget surplus and raised taxes by another $10 billion. These include increases to the Metro Area sales tax, motor vehicle registration fees, and gasoline fees.
Olson said a new delivery tax on packages brought to your door will cost you more. Workers and employers can also expect to lose more of their paychecks in order to help fund a new paid family and medical leave program.
Though the budget was spent last year, Olson noted that the majority will be spending more money this year.
“Even though we have a projected budget deficit, the legislative majority has agreed to spend at least another $500 million before session ends,” Olson said. “That’s just more money that will be added onto our deficit next year.
Olson said he expects the majority party’s new spending proposal to be debated on the House floor next week.