Committee advances proposed constitutional amendment to create Minnesota tax‑relief account; debate centers on schools, services

The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration voted 7–6 on March 3 to re‑refer House File 4 to the House Ways and Means Committee. House File 4 would place a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot to create a “Minnesota tax relief account” that would receive general‑fund revenue in excess of 105 percent of the budget forecast; the amendment would require the legislature to use that account to provide income‑tax or property‑tax relief.

Supporters said the measure would return surplus money to taxpayers instead of allowing state government to expand spending. Representative Wayne Johnson (R‑41A), who introduced the bill, said the measure is intended to limit future automatic growth in spending and give ‘‘money back to hardworking Minnesotans.’’ He told the…