| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| March 3, 2000 | Jon Peterson (651-296-5989) |
(ST. PAUL) Rep. Rich Stanek (R-Maple Grove) stood outside Gov. Ventura's office with the Republican leadership of the House and Senate to make it very clear that permanent and significant income tax cuts must come out of the 2000 Legislative Session. They made their announcement on the heels of yet another budget surplus announcement by the Minnesota Department of Finance.
The Republican leaders were critical of Governor Jesse Ventura's insistence on keeping the money until the 2001 session to give him more time to put together a comprehensive tax proposal. "The over-taxation of our working families has got to stop," said Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum. "The only way to do that is to lower tax rates now, not wait until 2001."
"Tax rebates are great, but 16 straight surpluses are ample evidence that it's time for permanent, significant tax cuts that will take Minnesota out of the top 10 states in tax burden and allow Maple Grove and Plymouth families to keep more of what they earn," said Rep. Stanek.
"The Governor has been in office for fourteen months and has had ample time to propose a tax plan," said House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty. "Candidate Ventura said he would end surpluses by 'cutting taxes, cutting taxes, cutting taxes.' Governor Ventura needs to follow through on his campaign promise. We are getting tired of prodding and pushing him on tax cuts. He should be leading on this issue."
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