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.
I think among the best words to describe not only this event but our state government more broadly right now, is that it is just plain weird. Once a proud bastion of pragmatic governance and Midwestern sensibility, on event after event, issue after issue, Minnesota government has become weird.
Minnesota faces serious challenges on the economy, on education, on public safety, and on many other issues. On many of these is deep disagreement that will not be resolved anytime soon.
There is a lot of disagreement right now on the state of our state. A few weeks ago, in his State of the State address, Gov. Tim Walz depicted Minnesota as a progressive utopia that should be an example for all of America. On the other hand, some on the right describe the state as something approaching a barren hellscape (a description some of us have reserved for Wisconsin (in jest of course)).
The Minnesota Private Business Council (MPBC) today announced the formation of its Advisory Board comprised of key Minnesota political and business leaders and dedicated to helping MPBC advance its goals.
Other states have similar high environmental standards but have efficient permitting systems, and we can do the same.
As the 2024 legislative session begins, state Democrats in St. Paul are pushing the North Star Act, aiming to make Minnesota a sanctuary state, further extending benefits to illegal immigrants despite the ongoing crisis at the southern border.
MPBC is a Minnesota non-profit corporation. We have applied for tax exemption pursuant to IRC Section 501(c)(6). Funds paid to MPBC are not tax-deductible as charitable contributions but may be tax-deductible as a business expense. Please consult your tax adviser for additional information.