Property Tax Increases: What Minnesotans Need to Know
You’ve probably seen the headlines this week about property tax notices starting to arrive in homeowners’ mailboxes. According to the Department of Revenue, property taxes statewide are expected to rise by nearly $1 billion next year.
There’s been plenty of debate about what’s driving these increases. Some have pointed to federal changes, others to inflation or state-level policies. But for Minnesotans, the root cause is clear: decisions made by Governor Walz have created the conditions that are now forcing local governments to raise taxes.
What Happened?
Over the past two years, state leaders had an opportunity to provide long-term financial stability for Minnesotans. Instead:
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Gov. Walz burned through a historic $18 billion budget surplus and still raised taxes by another $10 billion.
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Dozens of new mandates were placed on cities, counties, and schools, all of which come with heavy costs that local governments are now responsible for covering.
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With these new burdens in place, local governments are increasing property taxes to make up the difference.
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At the end of the day, Minnesotans are paying more and getting less, squeezed by state overspending and a long list of unfunded mandates.
Property Taxes: A Local Decision Influenced by State Actions
It’s important to remember that while property taxes are set by local governments, the decisions made at the state level have a direct and significant impact on what local communities can and must fund.
When the state pushes more costs onto cities, counties, and school districts, those costs don’t just disappear they show up in your property tax bill. That’s exactly what homeowners are seeing now.
House Republicans warned this would happen and we are continuing to fight to make Minnesota an affordable place to live.
Happy Thanksgiving
Wishing you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving! Today we pause to reflect on the blessings in our lives, the people who support us, and the communities that make Minnesota such a special place to call home. May your holiday be filled with gratitude, good company, and time spent with those you love.
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