The lid is on

Star Tribune Mon, 19 May 2008 05:09:41 GMT
Legislature adjourns after budget deal reached

Property tax relief, budget cuts and new public facilities add up to a session all sides called one of the most successful in years as the Legislature adjourned. The closing deal means more Minnesotans will be covered by health insurance, more money will flow to public schools and nursing homes, a light-rail line between Minneapolis and St. Paul is a step closer to reality, and so is Minnesota's first new major state park in 40 years. Property tax relief is also on the way, in several forms. Pawlenty and legislative negotiators agreed to limit increases in city and county property taxes to 3.9 percent annually for the next three years. In addition, $60 million will be available to fund local services. About $25 million is designated for direct property tax relief to homeowners through a tax refund program. The property tax relief is expected to save taxpayers $78.5 million in 2009 and $460.5 million over the next three years. [emphasis added]

[[keywords: PropertyTax;Metro;]]