The Republican-controlled Minnesota Senate over vigorous Democratic objections Thursday afternoon passed a bill to permanently cut state income taxes and eliminate Minnesota income tax on Social Security benefits regardless of income. Rochester Republican Carla Nelson says Minnesota has a nine-plus-billion-dollar surplus and Minnesotans can do basic math: “They understand the difference between a one-time check [Governor Tim Walz’s proposal] and ongoing, year-after-year, tax reductions.”
Mankato Democrat Nick Frentz says Republicans promise Minnesotans permanent tax cuts, but aren’t talking about possible future budget cuts, because the surplus isn’t permanent. “Not saying in 2026 we’re gonna cut teachers or we’re gonna cut transportation…. We’re just saying, we’re gonna do the part where we cut your taxes, without telling ’em the responsible thing,” Frentz says.
House Democrats say Republicans’ tax cuts also help the wealthy, and propose reductions targeted at low- and middle-income Minnesotans — which they say will also leave money for investments in education and other important priorities.