Dear Neighbors,
The 2023 legislative session adjourned for the year last week, bringing an end to one of the most partisan sessions I have seen during my time in the legislature. In total, the budget soon to be signed into law by Governor Walz grows overall government spending by nearly 40%, spends the entire $17.5 billion budget surplus, and imposes close to $10 billion in new taxes that will impact every Minnesotan.
The 2023 legislative session brought with it a tremendous opportunity for lawmakers to come together and provide tax relief so many Minnesotans were counting on to help deal with the impacts of inflation, rising energy prices, and more.
Despite a record-breaking $17.5 billion budget surplus, our good faith efforts to work together were rejected all year long as we tried to pass meaningful tax relief. Instead, the budget will raise taxes by nearly $10 billion, including a gas tax hike, sales tax increase, a new delivery tax, additional payroll taxes, and more that will take money out of the pockets of families here in Kandiyohi County.
Details of the budget include:
- The Largest Tax Increase in State History: Combining all of the tax increases passed last week, Democrats are raising taxes on Minnesotans by nearly $10 billion despite the state’s record-breaking $17.5 billion budget surplus.
- Growing Government: Over 40% growth in state government spending, the largest increase in decades and vastly outpacing the state’s economic growth of around 3% annually.
- Increased Motor Vehicle Fees: Raising the motor vehicle sales tax and increasing vehicle tab fees for all motorists.
- Broken Promises on Social Security Taxes: Democrats refused to fully exempt all Minnesotans from state taxes on social security benefits despite their campaign promises last fall to do so.
- Broken Promises on Rebate Checks: Last summer Governor Walz promised $2,000 rebate checks for married couples, that number is all the way down to $260.
- Damaging Local Charities: Changes to E-Pull Tabs will limit the ability of local charities to fundraise to support their missions in the community.
- Mandates for Schools: Dozens of new mandates for schools will leave many school districts in worse financial shape despite Democrat claims that they are making “historic” investments in schools.
- Infringing on the Second Amendment: Gun control bills that target law-abiding Minnesotans and not criminals were signed into law despite bipartisan opposition.
Despite this session’s many disappointments, I nevertheless am proud that we were able to fight for and secure emergency funding that will help our nursing homes stay open and continue to provide outstanding care to seniors. Finally, I appreciate the support and encouragement that I have received this year from folks back home. It remains the honor of a lifetime to represent you, your family, and Kandiyohi County.
Staying in Touch
While the legislative session is over, my work for you does not stop. So please do not hesitate to contact me with your ideas and suggestions. I can be reached at rep.dave.baker@house.mn.gov or you can call 651-296-6206.
Have a great summer!
Dave