Dear Neighbor,
Greetings as we make our way toward Independence Day. I hope you are able to get out and enjoy yourself during this special holiday weekend as we celebrate the United States of America. We are blessed to live in this great nation, and I look forward to seeing the Red, White and Blue proudly flying high across our district!
As for legislative news:
Mining tour
It was a pleasure to recently visit the United Taconite mine in and around Eveleth as part of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (pictured above). We visited an active mine and toured a former mine that has since been backfilled and reclaimed as a gorgeous natural resource. I am a strong supporter of mining in our state and was blown away by how well these mining sites are being managed both during and after their service.
Needless transpo tax increases take effect
Numerous new laws are set to take effect in Minnesota on July 1, coinciding with the start of the new fiscal year. The 2023 legislative session ended in late May with the DFL trifecta putting into law nearly $10 billion in needless tax increases at a time the state had a $17.5 billion surplus.
Of that total, Minnesotans are set to face $3.8 billion in transportation tax hikes alone. Some of these tax increases are set to take effect as of July 1. Here are some of the new transportation-related expenses to note:
- Vehicle registration tax/tabs: This tax hike averages to be a 36% increase over the first 11 years of your new vehicle. The change will apply to taxes payable for a registration period starting on or after January 1, 2024.
- Filing fee increases: Filing fees will increase to $8 on every vehicle registration renewal, excluding pro rate transactions. This section is effective October 1, 2023.
- 50-cent delivery fee on retail deliveries over $100: Over $189 million over four years is expected to be leveled on residents who shop from home thanks to this tax. The fee will be implemented on deliveries over $100. Exemptions include deliveries for groceries, prepared food, baby products, and feminine hygiene products. The tax would begin on July 1, 2024, and is the largest delivery tax in the U.S.
- $6 Fee increase for driver licenses: This is effective July 1, 2023, and applies to applications made on or after that date.
- Gas tax – automatic increases for inflation: The expected gas tax hike beginning January 1, 2024 is 5 cents over four years. Drivers will pay $423 million over four years for this Democrat priority.
- Metro sales tax changes: This 0.75% increase in the 7 county Metro Sales Tax for Transportation will see 83% of funds go toward Metro Transit funding and 17% will be sent to Metro Counties for local road projects. This section is effective for sales and purchases made on or after October 1, 2023, and applies in the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington.
- Increase in motor vehicle sales tax from 6.5% to 6.875%: Will give Minnesota the 5th highest Vehicle sales tax rate in the U.S. This section is effective for sales and purchases made on or after July 1, 2023.
These transportation tax hikes were unnecessary and add to the burden Minnesota families already face with higher costs on pretty much everything in today’s economy. Democrats did not need to raise taxes when we had a record surplus and it is disappointing more wasn’t done to provide relief for Minnesotans instead of adding to their challenges.
Click here for more details on all the laws that take effect July 1.
Until next time, have a great Independence Day, God bless America, and please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Ben