| For Immediate Release |
| February 8, 2001 |
SAINT PAUL -- The Minnesota House or Representatives passed a Republican tax rebate bill Thursday evening that sends the entire current state surplus back into the hands of Minnesota families quicker than anticipated. The rebate checks would be in the hands of taxpayers within 90 days under the Republican rebate.
The immediate rebate allows taxpayers the option of donating their check to one of the following institutions: basic sliding fee child care, K-12 public schools, affordable housing, contaminated site cleanup, public transit and transportation, nursing homes, or the University of Minnesota and MnSCU.
"We are sending the entire surplus back to the children, families, homeowners and renters of Minnesota," said House Speaker Steve Sviggum (R-Kenyon). "This keeps our promise of returning the entire surplus while at the same time giving taxpayers the option of help with their high heating bills or sending the rebate back to help our schools, nursing homes, colleges or other statewide uses.
"Republicans trust the families of Minnesota to make the best choices for their children and communities," Sviggum continued. "They know the problems our schools and nursing homes are facing with high heating costs, but they are also aware of their own families' increased bills. There are many families who desperately need help and I believe we should let people decide where the need is the highest."
The rebate will include the full amount of the existing surplus based on the upcoming February forecast. "State spending increased approximately 16 percent in the last two years and we recognize the need to hold down spending and get the rebate out to families as soon as possible and allow them to make their own choices."
"Governor Ventura is supportive of sending the surplus back to taxpayers," said House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty (R- Eagan). "The only thing standing between taxpayers and their money is now the Democratic Senate."