FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 21, 2013 CONTACT: Amy Strenge, 651-296-7633

LEGISLATURE ADJOURNS SENATOR DAVE THOMPSON SAYS EVERYONE PAYS MORE FOR WASTEFUL GOVERNMENT SPENDING UNDER DEMOCRATS TAX & BUDGET PLAN
$3 billion in new government spending grows government by 8.1%
(St. Paul, MN) On Monday, May 20, the Minnesota Legislature adjourned and completed its work on the states budget for fiscal years 2014 and 2015. The Democrats budget plan includes $2.1 billion in new taxes. This $38.3 billion budget is an 8.1% increase in spending over the previous budget. If you remember one thing about this legislative session, its that everyone will pay more in higher taxes for increased wasteful and inefficient government spending under the Democrats plan. Minnesotans deserve a budget that protects hardworking taxpayers, not abuses them, said Senator Thompson. New taxes include a sales tax on internet purchases, digital downloads like iTunes and eBooks, car rentals, storage facilities, equipment repair for businesses, and telecom equipment. Additionally, cigarettes will see a $1.60 per pack sales tax increase. On top of new sales taxes, income tax rates will rise 25% from 7.85% to 9.85% for individuals earning over $150,000 and couples earning over $250,000. Senator Thompson continued, Before Democrats asked hardworking taxpayers for one more dime, we should have gone line-by-line through the budget to eliminate wasteful spending. We can and shouldbe doing a better job for taxpayers to make sure state government is more efficient and effective. We dont need to spend more, we need to spend better. The next legislative session begins on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at 12 noon. ###