ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- This week the Minnesota
Department of Revenue is again asking Minnesotans what they'd like to see
changed in the state tax system. The citizens' dialogue, scheduled for
Friday, Jan. 14, noon, at the Minnesota Department of Revenue, St. Paul, is
one of thirteen such public hearings that have been held around the state.
The tax reform initiative is part of Governor Jesse Ventura's Big Plan for
Minnesota. It is designed to lead to proposals that will be presented during
the 2001 legislative session.
"Governor Ventura is committed to developing reforms that make a practical
difference for the people of Minnesota," Commissioner of Revenue Matt Smith
said. "Because of that we're making a comprehensive effort to find out what
issues resonate with the public and what people think could be done to make
our tax system work better."
So far that effort has included:
-- A Citizens Jury on Property Tax Reform in August 1999-an 18-member
focus group of Minnesotans that discussed what does and doesn't work in
Minnesota's property tax system;
-- Thirteen citizens' dialogues throughout the state to hear what
Minnesotans would like to see addressed in tax reform. The format
includes 15 minutes of an overview on the current tax system and 80
minutes of audience participation;
-- An interactive web site for people to offer their ideas on tax reform
by e-mail to ( taxreform@state.mn.us ). People who prefer the mail can
send suggestions to Tax Reform, Minnesota Department of Revenue, 600
North Robert St., St. Paul 55101, or can call 651-297-1577. The
department's web site ( http://www.taxes.state.mn.us ) also posts
updates on the tax reform effort.
-- Interviews with more than 50 legislators and other elected officials on
their priorities for tax reform. Those interviews will continue
throughout the process;
-- Interviews with nearly the entire Cabinet regarding tax reform
initiatives that will support their agencies' policy objectives;
-- Presentations to 20 business and trade associations about tax reform;
and the
-- Creation of seven policy teams organized around major tax types and two
policy areas -- utility taxes and health care finance -- to facilitate
input on tax reform. (More than 600 stakeholders participate in the
meetings for all groups via e-mail or in-person. There have been 11
public meetings held so far to solicit stakeholder input.)
The policy teams continue working to develop options for changes within
Minnesota's tax system. Commissioner Smith said that this fall, tax reform
proposals will be taken back to the public. "We want to see if we've pegged
the issues correctly," Smith explained, "and then talk to people about the
pros and cons of various ways to address specific problems."
SOURCE Minnesota Department of Revenue
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Related links:
http://www.taxes.state.mn.us
CONTACT:
Leslee Lane Hoyum, 651-296-0193,
800-657-3595, leslee.lane.hoyum@state.mn.us , or Jackie Renner,
612-890-5250, both of the Minnesota Department of Revenue
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