State Senator Pat Piper (D-Austin) says the Senate’s billion dollar tax relief bill couldn’t have passed without bipartisan support.

Saturday, April 08, 2000

State Senator Pat Piper (D-Austin) says the Senate’s billion dollar tax relief bill couldn’t have passed without bipartisan support.

"This bill should impact every Minnesotan by broad and fair tax reductions in several categories," said Piper. "In this package, we include across-the-board income tax breaks, lower registration fees for every passenger vehicle on the road, another sales tax rebate check and tax relief for farmers and apartment properties."

The $1.3 billion package sets aside $453 million for a sales tax rebate, $23 million targeted for agricultural assistance for declared disaster counties as well as those adjacent and $380 million in permanent income tax relief among other highlights.

Piper said the Senate’s tax relief package is in line with the total proposed by Governor Ventura, but she called it "much broader than cutting the fees only for expensive newer vehicles."

If you’re State Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston), you can say "I told you so."

Davids conducted a survey throughout his House district earlier this year and found the majority wanted the state’s revenue surplus to be used for tax relief.

"Three out of every four persons taking the survey wanted tax relief," said Davids. "Some wanted a rebate and others wanted permanent tax cuts. I’m glad to report that the House tax bill has both – a $500 million sales tax rebate and hefty reductions in income and property tax rates."

Governor Ventura has said the House is using "fantasy fiscal numbers" in its own tax bill and proposing more tax relief dollars than the actual available funds.

Piper said the Senate’s bill is based on spending expectations determined by the Department of Revenue.

The next stop for both the Senate and House tax relief measures is expected to be the conference committee’s scrutiny.