Stauber Pens Letters to Governor Walz and IRS Commissioner on Rebate Failure

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) recently sent two letters, one to Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz and one to IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, to address the failure of Governor Walz and the DFL-led state legislature to send rebate checks by the deadline mandated by the Biden Administration. This failure will result in Minnesota’s citizens paying federal taxes on these rebates.

In his letter to Governor Walz, Congressman Stauber highlighted the consequences of this massive failure, by stating, “At a time when inflation and energy prices are crippling Minnesota families, making them choose between putting food on the table or gifts under the Christmas tree for their children, this tax rebate was meant to provide a little financial reprieve. Because of your failures, Minnesotans could lose hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Read the full letter HERE.

In his letter to IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, Stauber requested the IRS immediately reverse the decision to tax Minnesotans on their rebate checks, stating, “Minnesota ranks sixth on the list of highest state income taxes. We share more taxpayer dollars with the federal government than we ever get back. I implore you to take stock of my constituents as good, hardworking people who should not be unduly punished for the failures and delays of their state leadership.”

Read the full letter HERE.

Stauber is scheduled to speak with IRS Commissioner Werfel on Friday on this matter.

BACKGROUND:

During the forced government shutdowns of the last few years, states could send money to their residents tax-free to alleviate some of their financial stress. On January 30, 2023, President Joe Biden stated that he would end the national emergencies related to COVID-19 on May 11, 2023. Although most states were able to get their affairs in order and provide rebate checks before May 11, Governor Walz failed to sign legislation for tax rebates until May 23, 2023.

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