~ Governor Pawlenty statement regarding U.S. Census Bureau data showing Minnesota dropping from 16th to 23rd in state and local tax burden ~

The following is a statement from Governor Tim Pawlenty regarding U.S. Census Bureau data showing Minnesota dropping from 16th to 23rd in state and local tax burden for FY 2005.

Minnesota dropped from 8th in 2000, to 16th in 2004, to 23rd in 2005 in total state and local taxes per $1,000 of income. However, Minnesota only moved from 10th in 2004 to 12th in 2005 in total state and local taxes per capita.

“For two decades, governors from both parties sought to get Minnesota out of the top ten in taxes. Now by holding government accountable and setting priorities, we’re starting to escape the ranks of the highest taxed states. That’s good news for taxpayers and a signal to those who want to grow jobs in Minnesota that we’re open for business.”

The U.S. Census Bureau data is online at http://www.census.gov/govs/www/estimate05.html.