MINNESOTA'S "TAX FREEDOM DAY" LATER THAN EVER

WASHINGTON -- Saying that tax relief at the federal, state and local levels is more important than ever, Ways and Means Committee member Jim Ramstad (R-MN) today pointed out that Minnesota's "Tax Freedom Day" -- the date each year when taxpayers have finally paid off federal, state and local tax collectors and can begin keeping the money they earn -- will fall on May 21st.

"May 21st is the latest Tax Freedom Day in Minnesota history, five days later than last year," said Ramstad. "This means the average Minnesotan works 141 days each year just to pay federal, state and local levies -- and that doesn't include the compliance costs of our inefficient tax system!"

"It is disheartening to see Minnesota at the top of this list," said Ramstad. Nationally, the average Tax Freedom Day falls on May 11. Minnesota ranks behind only the District of Columbia (May 23), Connecticut and New York (May 22). At the beginning of this century Tax Freedom Day was January 20.

"Congress should be working to make sure Americans get to keep more of their hard-earned money, not spending it on more bloated federal programs," said Ramstad.

"Congress also needs to continue making the federal government more efficient by eliminating wasteful spending, shrinking the bloated bureaucracy, protecting Social Security and providing further responsible tax relief," said Ramstad.

"Last year alone, the average family of four in the 3rd District paid more in federal, state and local taxes than it spent on food, clothing and shelter combined," said Ramstad. "I hope this is the latest Tax Freedom Day ever and I will work hard to turn that hope into a reality."

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