RELEASE: House Democrat Inaction Causing Tax Increase Amid Historic Surplus

ST. PAUL, MN — Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, issued the following statement regarding House Democrats’ blocking bipartisan legislation to avert a massive tax increase on Minnesota employers:

“I have been warning for months that if the legislature does not act, our businesses will suffer the consequences. House Democrats chose to stand against the Governor, Senate Republicans, Senate Democrats, and House Republicans to block a massive multi-year tax increase for all Minnesota businesses. I am incredibly disappointed that the House DFL failed to support this bipartisan legislation to help our businesses who are already struggling amidst inflation, a supply chain crisis, and workforce challenges.”

House Democrats voted against bringing up the bipartisan UI bill on Thursday, and did so again yesterday. They also blocked a motion to recess to the call of the chair to give additional time to negotiate a possible compromise. 

It’s been more than a full month of complete inaction by House Democrats. The House DFL UI bill — which DEED testified would result in six years of tax increases on businesses— has been stalled since it passed the Workforce Committee on February 9. The bill has not received a single hearing since being referred to Ways & Means. In contrast, Senate Republicans passed a full UI repayment bill on an overwhelming 55-11 vote a full month ago. 

House Democrats adjourned the House until Thursday, guaranteeing that the tax hike deadline will be missed.