Minnesota State Representative Chris Swedzinski announced on Apr. 17 that House Republicans have introduced a package of bills called the “North Star Comeback,” which would provide nearly $4 billion in tax relief to families and businesses across the state. Swedzinski said these proposals aim to ease financial pressures, but House Democrats have blocked their advancement.
The proposed tax relief package includes $1 billion in one-time property tax relief, elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, and reductions in car tab fees. It also seeks to lower childcare costs and invest hundreds of millions into education through scholarship-granting organizations at no additional cost to taxpayers. According to Swedzinski, “Overall, the package is built around three main components: protecting family budgets, making government work for Minnesotans, and building a world-class economy where businesses can survive and thrive.”
Swedzinski said that many measures within the North Star Comeback plan are widely supported by Minnesotans. These include modernizing county-administered public service IT systems, dedicating more funds for fraud prevention, and expanding safe schools funding. Despite this support, he said House Democrats blocked legislation such as H.F. 3127—which would provide $2.05 billion in tax relief for approximately 66,000 Minnesota businesses by conforming with federal tax code—and another proposal offering $1 billion in property tax rebates.
He also addressed concerns about energy affordability following passage of what he referred to as the “Blackout Bill” in 2024. Citing an estimate from the Center of the American Experiment that projected a move toward carbon-free electricity by 2040 could cost families nearly $3,900 per year, Swedzinski described his own bill (H.F. 4308) aimed at providing Minnesota ratepayers with $3.6 billion in energy bill relief over ten years through repealing certain mandates and reducing utility-related taxes.
Swedzinski concluded by urging bipartisan cooperation before session adjournment: “In our tied House, we just need one Democrat to see the light, put partisanship aside and get on board with doing what’s best for the people of our state.”
