Minnesota is nationally known as a very high tax state. Kiplinger considers Minnesotaleast tax-friendly state in the United States on par with California, Illinois, and New York.
Senator Melisa Franzen (DFL – Edina) however defended the high personal and business tax rates by saying Minnesota residents appreciate Minnesota government services. MinnPost reports that when discussing taxes Franzen said: “They know what they’re getting in return with the investments that we make in our roads and bridges and education and workforce.”
Economist John Phelan who works with Center of the American Experiment, however, says the evidence doesn’t support the assessment by Senator Franzen.
Phelan points out that despite high taxes the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Minnesota a D+ when it comes to road conditions.
Even in education states like Massachusetts have lower taxes but rank higher National Assesment of Education Program then Minnesota.
Phelan concludes “The idea that Minnesotans get value for their high taxes is an article of faith in the state. Sadly, it isn’t supported by the evidence.”
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