Letter: Rep. John Benson Co-Authors Homestead Credit Restoration Bill

Dear neighbors,

The legislature is back to work after a short break for precinct caucuses. Thank you to those of you who were able to attend. It was great to hear from many of you about the important issues facing our state. No matter what party you are from, caucuses are an opportunity to become engaged in grassroots government at its finest, so thank you for taking the time to participate.

In my last email update I wrote about the DFL Jobs Plan. After introducing our plan, DFL members toured the state speaking to local educators, local business owners and other local leaders. Time and time again we heard that businesses want a highly-skilled workforce and a strong infrastructure.

An issue that has been debated here in the Minnesota House these past several months is property taxes. As you know, the Republican majority proposed and voted for the elimination of the Homestead Credit in last year’s final budget agreement. I voted in opposition to the elimination of this credit, which benefited 95 percent of homeowners, and was the only property tax relief that many suburban homeowners received. Its elimination has driven up property taxes across the state.

The non-partisan House Research Department shows that property taxes have increased statewide by $370 million. Homeowners picked up $61 million of that tab, farmers in Greater Minnesota picked up $52 million, and businesses have been hit with an additional $133 million.

I am a co-author of a Homestead Credit restoration bill. Seniors on fixed incomes, the disabled, virtually all renters, and our Minnesota business community should not have to face more and more property tax increases in this tough economic climate.

Let’s reform our bloated tax code that is filled with special tax breaks for those who have influence here in St. Paul before we hit the middle class again.

I will do my best to restore the Homestead Credit to the 95 percent of Minnesotans who deserve this tax break.

As session continues to move along, I welcome input on these or any other legislative issues. Thank you again for the honor of serving you in the legislature.

Sincerely,

John Benson
State Representative
District 43B