Common Sense Solutions

Making Life Affordable

Rising Property Taxes

Problem: Increased property taxes are making continued homeownership difficult for Northlanders of all ages.
Solution: End unfunded mandates at the state level. When the state passes mandates without providing funding, implementation costs are pushed onto counties, cities, schools, and townships—directly contributing to higher property taxes.

Increased Car Tab Fees (Effective January 2024)

Problem: Car tab fees have significantly increased, especially for modestly priced vehicles. A $30,000 used car now incurs fees that are 20–26% higher—an annual increase of $76.50 to $97.50.

Solution: Reduce car tab fees to a more reasonable level that does not unfairly burden working families.

Inadequate Childcare Tax Credit Coverage

Problem: The 2023 child tax credit ($1,750 per child) excludes many middle and lower-middle income families.
Solution: Expand the child tax credit to include:

  • Single parents earning over $15/hour (approx. $31,200 annually)
  • Dual-income households earning $17/hour each (approx. $25,360 annually combined)

This ensures more working families benefit from the tax relief they need.

Building Strong Communities

Strengthen Commercial Tax Bases

Problem: Businesses pay more than double what homeowners pay in property taxes. Many communities are struggling to grow a strong commercial tax base.
Solution: Lower the income tax rate for small businesses. Minnesota currently has the highest rate in the nation at 9.8% (passed in 2023). According to Minnesota House Fiscal Analysis, this policy has reduced corporate tax revenue by over $150 million.
Why it matters:

  • 99% of businesses in Minnesota are small businesses
  • If they close, jobs and revenue disappear from communities
  • The resulting shortfall often shifts the tax burden to homeowners

Violent Repeat Offenders Not Being Incarcerated

Problem: Violent felons, including those found with firearms, are often released despite existing laws. Communities are forced to wait for catastrophic events before action is taken.
Solution:

  • Enforce current laws
  • Require judges to follow mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines for violent felons
  • Hold the judiciary accountable when sentencing standards are not followed

Alarming Decline in Public School Literacy

Problem: Over 50% of Minnesota students are not reading at grade level, according to state testing.
Solution:

  • Restore local control and flexibility to school districts
  • Ensure funding is directly allocated to districts without unfunded state mandates
  • Prohibit the legislature from passing mandates without providing the necessary funding, helping schools avoid budget cuts and reducing the need for local tax levy increases