Legislative Update from Rep. Bob Dettmer

Neighbors,

It was another busy week at the Capitol. Please watch my latest video interview below where I discuss the opening of session, my work on veteran’s issues, my reaction to Governor Dayton’s budget proposal, and a recent meeting I had with local school leaders in Forest Lake.

This week, I issued a response to Governor Dayton’s proposed two-year budget plan for 2014-2015 and which includes numerous changes to Minnesota’s tax code that I believe will harm the middle class. After announcing his plans to the Minnesota press, I attended a meeting with Governor Dayton to discuss the proposal and asked him about his thoughts on new taxes and higher spending.

Dayton is asking for a new income tax bracket on individuals with incomes above $150,000 a year or $250,000 per couple, raising the rate to 9.85%. Dayton’s new income tax is 25% higher than the current rate and will impact thousands of Minnesota families and small businesses that file individually.

Some other pieces of the budget plan include:

• Increased spending:
  • We would go from $35.2 billion in spending for FY12-13 to $37.9 billion in FY14-15
  • $3.7 billion in new taxes and $225 million in reductions
• A new sales tax on:
  • Aspirin, cold medicine, and any other over-the-counter drugs
  • Auto repairs
  • Hair cuts
  • Newspaper and magazine subscriptions
  • Legal and accounting services
  • Warehousing and store services
  • Bank charges
  • Veterinary services
  • Clothing valued over $100 (like a winter coat)
  • Business to business sales
  • Digital downloads like iTunes, Apps
  • Amazon online purchases or others like Amazon

It is not in the best interest of Minnesotans to raise taxes during a time of economic recovery and rapidly grow the size of government to levels we cannot sustain. The sales tax expansion and income tax rate increases would hit all Minnesota families and businesses, whether it’s a new winter coat, an oil change, or getting your taxes done; we will all be impacted by these new taxes. I look forward to finding common ground with the Governor to create a budget solution that helps Minnesota families thrive and grows our economy.

Sincerely,

Bob