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Gov. Walz Budget Released
Last week, Gov. Tim Walz released his budget proposal for the next biennium. Gov. Walz is proposing a 10% income tax increase, a 15% hike to Minnesota's business tax, and regressive tax hikes on cigarettes and vaping products that disproportionately hit low-income Minnesotans. The Governor is proposing just .3% in cuts ($150 million) out of a $52+ billion budget.
The budget announcement by the governor was, unfortunately, a disappointing proposal that leaves a lot of work for us all to do to reach a budget compromise before the end of session. Our state only faces a mild deficit that could and should be closed by tapping the budget reserve and minor cuts to government spending.
Families and businesses have spent the last year cutting back and struggling to survive, it's time government share in the belt-tightening; it is not the time to be raising taxes on businesses. Fortunately, the final two-year budget will need bipartisan support so I am hopeful working together this session we can reach a much better deal than the one proposed today by the governor.
Lawmakers and the Governor must pass a new two-year budget by June 30 to avoid a state government shutdown.
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Low Income Heating Assistance
The frigid cold is here and COVID-19 has hurt so many families not only physically but financially - many may be experiencing extreme financial trouble for the first time. During these trying times, I want to remind people with limited funds that they don’t have to choose between paying the heating bill or buying groceries.
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program serves both renters and homeowners, providing financial assistance to pay past due energy bills to avoid disconnection, to purchase emergency fuel, or to repair or replace a homeowner’s malfunctioning furnace.
Eligibility is based on the household’s past 3 months of income and assets are not counted. Benefit amounts are based on the household’s heating costs, household size, and income, with an average benefit of roughly $500.
The application period is open until May 31. To determine eligibility or to learn more about the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, visit: mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp.
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Please stay in touch and let me know if there is any way I can assist in overcoming this challenge. You can always reach me at 651-296-5066 or rep.greg.boe@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Greg
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313 State Office Building 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Saint Paul, MN 55155 ph: 651.296.5066 |
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