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Buffer property tax relief included in Governor’s two-year budget proposal

MN Capitol Reading Time: < 1 minute

Governor Tim Walz announced his $49.5 billion budget proposal today. In the two-year spending plan, Walz included $15 million to address property tax relief for land in compliance with Minnesota’s buffer law.

Review proposed tax aids, credits and refunds here and refer to page 23 for specifics on “buffer credit for agricultural land.”

Today’s budget will be revised after an economic forecast in late February/early March, as well as negotiated throughout the current legislative session. However, the initial inclusion of funds is an encouraging start for legislation addressing tax relief for land in compliance with the buffer law.

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association initially raised the importance of buffer property tax relief with Walz during on-farm visits organized through the “MN Corn Grows MN” campaign. A gubernatorial candidate at the time, Walz expressed support for tax relief. MCGA appreciates the continued support in his proposed budget.

“During today’s tough economic times on the farm, addressing property taxes on land that has been removed from production due to the buffer law is a priority for the state’s corn farmers,” MCGA President Brian Thalmann said. “We appreciate the inclusion in today’s budget proposal, and look forward to discussing this issue further with Governor Walz and legislators in the months ahead.”

MCGA expects bills in both the Minnesota House and Senate addressing buffer property tax relief in the coming weeks.

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