ST. PAUL, MN – Senate Republicans today held a press conference to announce session priorities to get Minnesota on the Right Track. The focus of Senate Republicans this session will be on affording everyday life, reducing crime, and empowering parents.
Helping people afford their lives
The state’s projected $7.7 billion surplus will be one of the most discussed items in St. Paul. Following stubborn and record inflation from runaway congressional spending, Senate Republicans are advancing a series of tax cuts targeted at working Minnesotans, families, and seniors to help them afford their everyday life.
Coleman, the vice-chair of the Senate Committee on Taxes, spoke at today’s press conference on how Senate Republications will help people afford their lives.
“Government bank accounts are doing well but my constituents are paying for it and their bank accounts are getting squeezed. Minnesotans aren’t a never-ending ATM for a government spending spree – they drive our economy and they paid for the surplus,” Coleman said. “Minnesotans deserve a break, and Senate Republicans will continue the fight for meaningful and permanent tax relief.”
In the last five years, Republicans have secured billions in tax cuts, including exempting most seniors from taxes on social security and the first income rate tax cuts in 20 years.
Safe communities and law enforcement support
Another priority this year will be investments in public safety and initiatives to drive down crime. Senate Republicans plan to quickly address the urgent need to increase Minnesota’s police presence while providing additional tools and resources to fight crime and recruit and retain police officers. Republicans will also continue to be tough on crime, and address failed progressive policies that reduce or eliminate bail. They will also introduce legislation increasing penalties for repeat offenders, carjackers, and crimes involving dangerous weapons.
Empowering parents as education partners
Finally, the closure of schools due to COVID has been an eye-opening experience for parents across the state. Across the nation, many parents have raised concerns about their kids’ education coming at the cost of political activism. To that end, Republicans propose increasing transparency and accountability in school to the parents, and empowering parents to be active partners in their child’s education.
Senate Republicans have had control of the Senate since 2017 and consistently stopped harmful tax increases on working and low-income Minnesotans. They stabilized the health care market in 2017 with the very successful reinsurance program and passed record funding for students in schools. Senate republicans also continue to reduce burdensome regulations on Main Street businesses and support economic development across the state.