Minnesota State Representative Chris Swedzinski announced on Apr. 17 that House Republicans have introduced a package of bills called the “North Star Comeback,” which aims to provide nearly $4 billion in tax relief for Minnesota families and businesses. The proposal comes as lawmakers debate how best to address the state’s current budget surplus and rising costs for residents.
The proposed tax relief is significant because it would represent a state record for one legislative session, following what Swedzinski described as substantial increases in spending and taxes during the previous two-year cycle. He said, “That’s a state record for one session and a dramatic turnaround from the last two-year cycle when the former Democrat trifecta spent the $18 billion budget surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion, and increased state spending by 40 percent.”
The plan includes $1 billion in one-time property tax relief, eliminates taxes on tips and overtime pay, reduces car tab fees, lowers childcare costs, and provides additional funding for education through scholarship-granting organizations without increasing taxpayer burden. According to Swedzinski, these proposals are designed around three priorities: protecting family budgets, making government more efficient for Minnesotans, and supporting business growth.
Swedzinski said that efforts to advance these measures have faced resistance from House Democrats. He stated that Democrats blocked legislation (H.F. 3127) intended to deliver over $2 billion in tax relief to businesses at no cost to the state by aligning with federal tax code changes. Additionally, he noted that another Republican-backed proposal offering $1 billion in property tax relief was stopped during a Taxes Committee meeting.
Addressing energy affordability concerns following recent legislative changes targeting carbon-free electricity by 2040—which Swedzinski claims could increase annual household energy costs—he highlighted his own bill (H.F. 4308). This bill seeks to provide ratepayers with $3.6 billion in energy bill relief over ten years by repealing certain mandates and reducing utility-related taxes but has not advanced past committee due to lack of support from Democratic members.
With about thirty days left before adjournment of this legislative session, Swedzinski concluded: “In our tied House, we just need one Democrat to see the light, put partisanship aside and get on board with doing what’s best for the people of our state.”
