St. Paul, MN – Representative Wayne Johnson (R-Cottage Grove) introduced a key piece of legislation yesterday as part of the "Make Minnesota Affordable" initiative put forth by the House Republican Caucus. HF 4, a proposed constitutional amendment, would guarantee that future state budget surpluses are returned directly to Minnesotans, ensuring that taxpayer money stays in the hands of those who earned it.
“When Minnesota runs a surplus, it’s because Minnesotans were overtaxed,” said Rep. Johnson. “HF 4 ensures those funds go back where they belong: into the pockets of the people who worked hard to earn them. It’s time to prioritize families, not government bureaucracy.”
HF 4 is part of a larger affordability agenda unveiled by House Republicans aimed at addressing Minnesota’s rising cost of living. The package includes two other transformative bills designed to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions:
- HF 5: Delivers sweeping tax reforms, repealing the retail delivery fee and eliminating the state tax on Social Security income. This bill also requires a comprehensive analysis of Minnesota’s tax policies to create a fairer system for all taxpayers.
- HF 9: Modernizes renewable energy policies by including hydroelectric power as an eligible renewable energy source, delaying impractical mandates, and protecting reliable energy infrastructure to stabilize energy costs.
Together, these bills represent a bold approach to addressing the affordability crisis, giving families relief from rising costs and making Minnesota a more competitive and attractive place to live, work, and raise a family.
“Families across Minnesota are struggling with higher costs for energy, groceries, and essentials,” Johnson added. “These bills show that Republicans are serious about addressing affordability and protecting the financial well-being of Minnesotans now and in the future.”
Rep. Johnson emphasized the importance of HF 4 as a cornerstone of this legislative package. By enshrining the principle of surplus returns in the Minnesota Constitution, the bill protects taxpayers from future overreach and ensures financial accountability in state government.
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