Klobuchar says no new taxes in Minnesota

Minnesota Governor-elect Amy Klobuchar has stated she will not sign any legislation that raises taxes. This position stands despite the state government now being controlled by the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party for the third time since the 2013-14 session. In those previous two periods, tax increases were a common outcome. Klobuchar says the current political alignment will not follow that pattern.

Last summer, a group of DFL lawmakers released a list of policy goals. The proposals included free or low-cost child care, universal health care, increased funding for education, and energy initiatives. Estimates suggest these programs could cost billions of dollars. Klobuchar contrasted this spending plan with her own vision for the state's finances.

In an interview recorded for the program At Issue with Tom Hauser, Klobuchar addressed the tax question directly. She noted that Minnesota's tax burden is already high compared to other states. "I have been clear from the very beginning that I'm not going to increase taxes given where Minnesota sits vis-a-vis the rest of the country," she said. She added, "I'm not going to do that."

Instead of new taxes, Klobuchar plans to pursue an economic growth agenda. She intends to tighten rules on fraud and improve the efficiency of state operations. Her first move as governor will be a comprehensive audit of state government programs. "I believe by doing this top-to-bottom audit and by looking at how we can reduce red tape and focusing on a growth agenda we will be able to get more resources," Klobuchar said.

Klobuchar will remain in the U.S. Senate until the current session concludes in December. She serves as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee and aims to pass a farm bill to support Minnesota growers. The full interview will air at 10 a.m. Sunday.

The governor-elect will also select a replacement for her Senate seat. The timing of that appointment and the identity of the chosen candidate are not yet known.