House Republicans announced on Apr. 16 a legislative package that would provide almost $4 billion in tax relief, which they say is the largest such effort in Minnesota’s history.
The proposal, called the “North Star Comeback,” aims to address concerns about rising costs for families and businesses by offering one-time property tax relief, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, reducing car tab fees, lowering childcare expenses, and increasing education funding through scholarship organizations at no cost to taxpayers.
State Representative Bernie Perryman of St. Cloud said the plan focuses on three main goals: protecting family budgets, improving government services for Minnesotans, and fostering an economy where businesses can thrive. “Between rising prices and our state government’s reckless spending and unnecessary tax increases, Minnesota families and businesses have been getting walloped at every turn in recent years,” Perryman said. “It’s time to deliver some much-needed breathing room and that’s what I’m focusing on.”
Perryman explained that the proposals include modernizing county-run public service IT systems, dedicating more funds for fraud prevention, and expanding safe schools funding so all students can learn securely. She also noted that previous Republican efforts to pass similar tax-relief measures have been blocked by House Democrats—including legislation (H.F. 3127) intended to provide $2.05 billion in business tax relief by aligning with federal tax codes.
According to Perryman, House Democrats have also stopped a proposed $1 billion property tax rebate during a period of rising rates statewide. She attributed increased property taxes partly to unfunded mandates from prior Democratic leadership affecting local governments and school districts. Perryman advocated using the state’s current $3.7 billion surplus for one-time rebates—especially for seniors living on fixed incomes—saying many are being taxed out of homes they have owned for decades.
“Minnesotans already are overburdened and our rising property taxes are adding to the problem,” Perryman said. “It’s a shame that our taxes are pricing people out of their homes. We can’t afford to give people who are on the fence another reason to leave this state.” She added that her own bill (H.F. 400), which sought to reduce health care costs by offsetting state mandates, was rejected during committee review.
