FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2024
Contact:
Mitchell Williamson
(612) 404-0414
Minnetonka, Minn. – Jim Schultz, President of the Minnesota Private Business Council, today released the following statement voicing strong opposition to the DFL’s recent proposal for a constitutional amendment to raise the state sales tax to fund housing programs:
“Nothing is certain in life but death and new taxes from the far-left politicians running Minnesota.
In a period of crippling inflation and following a slew of massive tax increases passed by the DFL-controlled legislature during the 2023 legislative session, the latest proposal from DFL lawmakers to amend the constitution and increase the state sales tax is disturbing. This proposal to raise the sales tax by three-eighths of 1% represents a direct threat to the financial well-being of every Minnesotan, further eroding the purchasing power of working-class and middle-class families and placing additional burdens on small businesses already struggling to survive in a challenging economic climate.
With Minnesotans grappling with the impacts of recent tax hikes of nearly $10 billion and with the DFL spending a record budget surplus and creating projected budget deficits in the near term, it is inconceivable to demand more tax dollars from hardworking Minnesotans. The DFL’s relentless crusade for regressive tax increases will only exacerbate inflation, encourage fiscal irresponsibility by spending money we don’t have, and risk cementing structural budget deficits for the foreseeable future.
Minnesotans deserve better. They deserve to keep more of their hard-earned dollars, especially during these trying economic times. The proposal to further increase the sales tax, on top of already significant tax burdens, is a step in the wrong direction. It’s time to restore balance in our state government by electing representatives who prioritize fiscal responsibility, oppose unchecked spending, and support policies that ensure the economic stability and prosperity of all Minnesotans. Let’s stop the cycle of spending surpluses, creating deficits, and adding new taxes. Let’s set aside crazy new taxes, ease the financial burdens on Minnesotans, and work together for a future where all can succeed and prosper.”
The Minnesota Private Business Council advocates for commonsense policies supporting Minnesota industry and innovation and benefiting Minnesota’s workers, families, and communities. Comprised of privately held businesses from a broad array of Minnesota industries, the Minnesota Private Business Council advocates for policies leading to job growth, new business creation and entrepreneurship, and broad-based well-being for Minnesota’s workers and their families. For more information, please visit www.GrowthMN.com.
Jim Schultz is the president and executive director of the Minnesota Private Business Council and was the Republican nominee for Minnesota attorney general in 2022. He can be reached at jim@growthmn.com.
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