To the Editor,

If you talk to just about anyone, in any corner of the state, and ask what their top concern is, you’ll hear the same thing over and over: affordability. Whether it’s high taxes, ever-rising property taxes, or the sticker shock of tab fees, Minnesota families are worn out. They’re tired of paying more and more, with little to show for it when it comes to quality of life. With about six weeks left in session, affordability needs to be front and center.

Earlier this Session, Senate Republicans proposed a plan that tackles affordability in a tangible way. We can’t ignore the fact that families are feeling squeezed, and we know the answer isn’t to tax them even more. That’s why our plan focuses on lowering property taxes, reducing tab fees, and ending taxes on tips and overtime.

Let’s start with property taxes. We’ve all heard the stories—folks being priced out of homes that have been in their families for generations. Seniors on fixed incomes have been hit especially hard by these constant increases. When property taxes keep climbing, people simply can’t afford to stay put. It’s also pushing first-time homebuyers out before they even get started. Back in 2020, the average age of a first-time homebuyer was 33. Just six years later and it’s up to 40. There are many reasons for that, but property taxes are the biggest one. People might be able to afford the home itself, but can they afford the unknown tax increases that come with it? For many, that’s a tough question.

There is a simple solution: ending the unfunded mandates that are putting pressure on our counties. They’re stuck in a tough spot, and it costs everyone. The state needs to get out of the way – if Democrats are so intent on forcing mandates on our counties, those mandates should come with dollars attached to make them workable.

Unfortunately as we’ve seen time and time again, that’s just not how they operate. The answer is clear: end the unfunded mandates immediately.

Another issue causing sticker shock is tab fees. This is one of the top issues I’ve heard throughout the district. Folks are going to renew their tabs, and they are seeing costs upwards of $700 per year. This is rotten. People can’t simply choose not to drive, and buying an older car to save on registration often means paying more in repairs.

Meanwhile, you’d expect that with fees this high, our roads and bridges would be in great shape, but that’s not what we’re seeing.

The average five-year total for registering a new car in Minnesota will run drivers about $3,520, making us an outlier compared to every one of our neighboring states. Drive across the border to North Dakota, and you’d pay about $465 over that same period.

Head south to South Dakota, and it’s around $378. Yet despite Republicans’ repeated attempts to bring this issue forward, there’s been little discussion about it at the Capitol.

Minnesotans have been loud and clear: they want life to be affordable. Yet those requests have been ignored. It’s time to roll back these costly changes.

Another easy way to make life affordable for many is by ending taxes on tips and overtime. This simple change would bring us into conformity with federal tax code, and it’s just common sense. Workers who go the extra mile shouldn’t be taxed more for it.

This also helps small businesses keep good workers by effectively putting more money in employees’ pockets without raising costs for employers. That’s a win-win.

This is not complicated. These are three simple ways we can make life affordable again in our state. Costs are higher here than in neighboring states and it’s all because of bad Democrat policies. Minnesotans have been clear about their concerns—it’s time government start listening.

By Sen. Paul Utke,

Park Rapids