ST. PAUL – Minnesota House Republicans have drafted a package of bills House Majority Leader Rep. Harry Niska, R-Ramsey, said would make Minnesota a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.
Niska said the bills, introduced as part of the GOP’s “Make Minnesota Affordable” initiative, focus on lowering energy costs, reducing the tax burden, and ensuring budget surpluses benefit hardworking Minnesotans.
“Minnesotans deserved meaningful tax cuts when the state had an $18 billion surplus in the last biennium,” Niska said. “Instead, Democrats in full control of the Capitol went on a spending spree. They increased the budget by 40%, raised taxes by $10 billion, and passed radical energy policies that are driving up utility costs. Minnesota taxpayers deserve better and that’s what House Republicans aim to deliver.
Bills in the House Republicans’ Make Minnesota Affordable package include:
- Modernizing Minnesota’s renewable energy policies by expanding the state’s definition of eligible renewable energy to include hydroelectric capacity. It also delays standards for electric utilities which Niska called unrealistic, protects reliable energy sources, and ends the state’s nuclear moratorium. These reforms will help stabilize energy costs and secure a balanced energy future for Minnesota families and businesses, Niska said.
- Delivering sweeping tax reforms, repealing the controversial retail delivery fee and ending the tax on Social Security income once and for all. By requiring a comprehensive analysis of tax policies, this bill ensures a fairer system for Minnesota taxpayers, Niska said. He indicated this represents a commitment to economic growth and reducing financial stress for families and seniors alike.
- Ensuring that future state budget surpluses are returned to the people of Minnesota. By proposing a constitutional amendment, this bill codifies the principle that taxpayer money belongs in the hands of those who earned it. The measure guarantees that Minnesota families, not government bureaucracy, benefit from the state’s financial successes, Niska said.
“Thankfully, House Republicans restored balance at the Capitol because we are focused on making Minnesota more affordable for all citizens,” Niska said. These are the things Minnesotans want, and House Republicans are working to deliver this year. It is too bad House Democrats started this session by not showing up for work and causing a legislative shutdown that has delayed progress on these proposals.”
-30-