According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the consumer price index rose to 8.5% in March, meaning inflation remains at its highest
point since 1982.
State Senator Rich Draheim said he and his Republican colleagues in the Senate ar extremely concerned about the effects of inflation on the economy and Minnesota consumers. It is one of the reasons he offered for the proposed $8.43 billion dollar tax cut that he and his party are hoping to pass this session.
Pointing to the record $9.3 billion budget surplus, one of many in recent years, Draheim said he and Senate Republicans believe that the state is collecting too much in taxes.
“You can talk about our standard of living,” he said, “which I enjoy. It’s one of the reasons I live here.
“But we can enjoy that standard of living without being taxed so much.”
The bill would cut the lowest state income tax bracket from 5.3% to 2.8%. Draheim said 5.3% is more than the highest bracket in 17 states and cutting the number nearly in half would give working Minnesotans a much-needed break.
“We’re behind states like New York, California and New Jersey,” he said. “We are one of the highest taxed states in the country.”
Draheim said it’s important that the tax cut be passed this year because of the high inflation rate. With inflation at its highest point in 40 years, both the working class and retired people are being hurt the most. Tax relief is a way, he said, to mitigate the situation.
“I think families need to keep more of what they’re working for. Cars, houses, our health insurance, food – everything costs so much. So why not give that money back to the people that need it; the people that are working to pay into that?”
Another aspect of the bill would completely eliminate the tax on Social Security benefits. Minnesota is one of twelve states that currently taxes that income, and Republicans have tried, as Draheim put it, to bring Minnesota into federal conformity by eliminating the tax several times over the past few years. It would also bring the state into conformity with the portability provision for the estate tax. The federal government allows for a widow or widower to combine unused exemptions to avoid paying the estate tax, and the Republican bill would allow for that in Minnesota as well.
The DFL has been highly critical of the bill for several reasons, one of which is the unsustainability of losing nearly $8.5 billion dollars in state revenue. Draheim responded that the state has increased the budget by 5-7% every year, at the expense of its citizens, and he believes that money should be returned to the people of Minnesota.
With the legislature on a break this week for Easter and Passover, the debate will resume at the Capitol next week.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Senator Rich Draheim can be heard here
Second booster shots are being scheduled at NH+C, other outlets
Northfield Hospital + Clinics announced last week it is now scheduling second boosters of COVID vaccine for people ages 50 and up, and for
those ages 12 and up who are immune compromised. Those receiving a vaccine should be at least four months removed from their previous shots. In the statement announcing the new booster protocol, NH+C said vaccination for everyone is still vital.
“It’s important to get unvaccinated people protected against COVID-19,” the statement read. “The CDC reports that during the recent Omicron surge, unvaccinated people were 21 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than fully vaccinated and boosted individuals.”
The statement also said that it is not too late to receive a first dose of the vaccine. The state Vaccine Connector website is still active and can help find the right location to receive a shot quickly and easily.
Those interested in learning more about the COVID vaccines should visit the Northfield Hospital + Clinics’ website, where there is information regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, as well as information for parents and children. It can also help to dispel some of the myths and misinformation regarding the vaccines.
The statement said appointments are available at the Northfield Clinic on Tuesdays. Right now, the Pfizer vaccine is being administered. To schedule an appointment, call 507-646-8019.
City Council work session will include review of Emergency Operations
And the Northfield City Council will meet tonight for a work session. 
Among the items on the agenda are a presentation and discussion regarding the park and recreation capital investment plan, a discussion about the City Land Development Code as it relates to city buildings, and there will be a complete review of the updated City Emergency Operations Plan.
As always, the City Council and the Northfield City Staff are eager to hear the opinions of the public on any matter, whether the subject is on the Council agenda or not. As this is a work session, the Council will not hear from the public during tonight’s meeting. However, those who do wish to make a point, air an opinion or ask a question can email their councilor directly or make use of the eComment function which can be found in the “Agendas” section of the city website.
Tonight’s meeting will begin at 6:00.
Rich Larson is the KYMN News Director. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
