Klobuchar vows to cap Minnesota taxes before taking office
The incoming governor says she will reject bills that raise revenue, prioritizing a state audit and an economic growth plan instead.
By Tessa Cooper ·
Minnesota will not see new tax hikes under incoming Governor Amy Klobuchar, the DFL leader said. Klobuchar, who is preparing to take office, stated she will not sign any legislation that increases taxes. This stance contrasts with the previous two DFL trifectas, which did result in tax increases.
The political shift began in 2013 and 2014, when the DFL controlled the governor's office and both legislative chambers. Those sessions led to new taxes. The current DFL majority will mark the third time since 2013 that the party holds all three levers of state power. However, the fiscal approach has changed under Klobuchar's leadership.
Last summer, DFL lawmakers released a list of proposals that could cost billions of dollars. The list included free or low-cost child care, universal health care, increased education funding, and energy initiatives. Klobuchar believes these goals can be met without new revenue streams by focusing on economic growth.
In an interview recorded for At Issue with Tom Hauser, Klobuchar explained her position. She said, "I have been clear from the very beginning that I am not going to increase taxes given where Minnesota sits vis-a-vis the rest of the country." She added, "I am not going to do that."
Klobuchar plans to start a top-to-bottom audit of state government programs on her first day in office. She aims to reduce red tape and improve efficiency to generate more resources. She also plans to crack down on fraud as part of her agenda.
Klobuchar will remain in the U.S. Senate until the current session ends in December. As the ranking Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, she is working to pass a farm bill to assist Minnesota farmers. She will also select her successor in the Senate, though the timing and identity of that appointee are not yet determined.
