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MINNESOTA TAX <br />by Tom Pokonosky: Deephaven and Chr.s Lindstrom <br />Your Tax Committee has been working (dili­ <br />gently with Minnesota Fair Share to eliminate the <br />unfdr onerous and unprecedented three-tier prop­ <br />erty tax system in the state of Minnesota. The <br />citizens of Minnesota are among the highest taxed <br />in the United States, 4th in overall taxation and <br />second in the nation in personal income ta < burden. <br />Minnesota ranks as the4th highest in states: mding <br />and among the lowest in percental of per capita <br />income after tax dollars: 46th!!! <br />In an effort to ch<mge this system, the LMLOA <br />has joined Minnesota Fair Share. Fciir Share is <br />committed to working with groups throughout the <br />state in an attempt to change the system to a one rate <br />properU' tax or a flat tax for everyone. If that is <br />achieved, the tax rate would be 178% for everv'one <br />m the state. If all state revenues icmained the same <br />with no cut in spending, citizens most adversely af­ <br />fected would be those ov.ning a house valued at <br />$50,000. Their taxes would rise from $500 to $640 for <br />a $140 inerrase. This increase is far less than it costs <br />them for cable TV! <br />Recently the House DFL Leadership proposed <br />the elimination of the third tier (3%) and have the <br />maximum tax be 2% for ail Minnesotans. Remem­ <br />ber this proposal is conveniently made in an elec­ <br />tion year and the ^''tion will not be taken, if ever <br />untilafterthestat.1 ^ ‘ *de election in November. <br />believe this is mere election year rhe*^oric. <br />intereting to note that the State Senate leaders'.! <br />strangelv quiet on this issue. Minnesota Fair Sh. <br />would welcome the elimination of the third tier or <br />3% as an overdue step in the right direction, but will <br />continue to push for a flat rate for everyone. <br />A recent meeting was held at the Minnetonka <br />Community C enter 1^ by Dierdre Griswald chair­ <br />person of J^nesota Fair Share. John James Com ­ <br />missioner of Revenue was the featured guestspeaker. <br />Mr. James listened intently to the many voices of <br />concern from the full house. He didn't say much <br />that was new except he revealed the astounding <br />fact that average property tax payments for next <br />year will go up 10%. But for homes values over <br />$100,000, taxes are expected to go up 15-25% cash <br />out of pocket. With the three-tier tax system, the <br />higher the value of the home, the greater the per­ <br />centage of increase on next years' taxes. But Mr. <br />James assures us that there are more services for <br />Minnesotans than almost any other state. (And <br />we've all heard that argument before). What good <br />are state services if it means you have to sell your <br />homestead to support these so called services! <br />Wearepleas^t >^0 Dart of Fair Share and will <br />continue to fight for a fair and equitable property <br />tax for everyone. <br />Fair Share is incorporated not-for-profit and <br />run by volunteers. It is grass roots and we, dear <br />neighbors, are the roots. Once again, just because <br />someone else is organizing the effort (ion't get the <br />idea that, "gee, they must have plenty of help." <br />WRONG. If everyone else thinks the same thing <br />than no one turns out io help. No help in, equals no <br />help out. You can make a ciifference, but only you <br />can pick up your pen or telephone, vVith just a little <br />effort please read the enclosed petition, if you agree <br />with it, then sign it and then — pass it on two or <br />three neighbors as well and then mail to Fair Share <br />as indicated on the petition. At the very least, s»gn <br />the petition yourself and mail it in (see page 7; If <br />you have a little time after deciding to volunteer in <br />LMLOA, call Fair Share at 851-7040 and ask what <br />you can do to promote the cause. <br />SURPRISE INCENT IVE <br />Memoership in L.MLOA automatically enrolls <br />in Fair Share. Send your $25 for LMLOA <br />lembership and you will receive the Fair Share <br />Taxpayer's Survival Kit. JOLN LMLOA AND YOU <br />AUTOMATICALLY' lOIM F.AIR SHARE! <br />TAX PAYER'S SUR''. iV'Al KIT <br />The Tax Payer's Survival Kit describes Fa.r <br />Share, its goals, and objectives. It includes a short <br />description of the Minnesota property tax system, <br />including how the three-tier tax system works, what <br />the levies and state aids are for lus cities and <br />shows how metro taxes are redistrit to out state <br />communities. A complete lis* f Minnesota <br />House and Senate members, Ui-.- .vilh their tele­ <br />phone numbers. Sample letters are provided to <br />help you get started on your own letter writing <br />campaign to these government officials.