Today, Way Three of the 20 Ways in 20 Days Campaign looks at how a cuts-only approach to meeting Minnesota’s needs will jeopardize the financial security of working families struggling to pay rent and make ends meet.
Proposed Cut: The Minnesota House and Senate have proposed property tax refund cuts to renters averaging a $170 to $300 reduction per household.
Consequence: Bruce lost his home to foreclosure last year and has since been working to maintain decent, affordable housing for his family. A single working father and full-time student, Bruce is counting on a timely Renters’ Credit tax refund this summer to pay for fall school supplies for himself and his son.
If a cut to the Renters’ Credit is passed, low-income families could face harmful impacts to their health, educational and financial situations. The Renters’ Credit helps to offset the costs of property taxes that are paid by tenants through their rents. This property tax refund helps people like Bruce who are struggling to make ends meet and often facing increased costs in other areas of their lives. Cutting the Renters’ Credit would worsen the dire situations faced by low-income households working to move forward during this fragile economic recovery.
Solution: Let’s protect Minnesota’s communities, residents and quality of life. We cannot afford to take a cuts-only approach to meeting our state’s needs, jeopardizing the financial security of working families. Minnesotans know we need a balanced approach, one that includes raising revenues based on ability to pay, in order to maintain critical state services that support Minnesotans in tough times and invest in our future.
- For more information about cuts that take away property tax refunds for renters struggling to make ends meet, contact Michael Dahl with HOME Line at 612-728-5770, ext. 111.
- For more information about the 20 Ways in 20 Days Campaign or Invest in Minnesota, contact Leah Gardner at 651-757-3063.
- Download the PDF version of this story to spread the word about the impact of proposed budget cuts.
-Leah Gardner
ALL CREDITS SHOULD BE ABANDONED. WE NEED TO PAY FOR WHAT WE USE, ALL OF US. OUR SPENDING WILL ONLY BECOME IMPORTANT TO US, ALL OF US, WHEN WE ALL HAVE TO PAY, ALL OF US.