Legislature on the Right Track for Property Tax Relief

04/10/2007

(4/10/07) MINNEAPOLIS—The League of Rural Voters applauds the efforts of the Minnesota Legislature to reduce the property tax burden in Greater Minnesota without tying the hands of local officials. In 2006, the League documented the direct link between state budget cuts to schools and local government aid and double digit increases in local property taxes.

Without a solution, the projected rate of additional property tax increases within the next year is 10.3%—further straining the ability of Greater Minnesota communities to provide basic services, maintain schools, and create jobs and opportunity.

“This projected tax increase comes as no surprise given the cuts in local government aid and aid to schools in these cities and towns over the past four years, said Niel Ritchie, LRV executive director. Local governments are forced to increase taxes to replace lost state revenues.”

“By asking more from those who pay proportionately the least, we can reduce property taxes for the vast majority of Greater Minnesota households and still make the critical investments in our schools, transportation systems, and health care that we need to carry our state forward.”

For more information on this issue, and to view the 2006 property tax report:

Source Link: Click HERE

Founded in 1985 and based in Minneapolis, the League of Rural Voters is dedicated to increasing the representation of rural people in the policy making process.