Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota, 2026
Restoring Fairness and Simplicity for Minnesota-Wisconsin Workers
Dear Minnesotans and Wisconsin neighbors,
As a retired Navy Lieutenant Commander, educator, and public servant born and raised in Blue Earth, Minnesota, I’ve dedicated my life to serving communities and solving problems with integrity and discipline. Today, I hear the frustration of hardworking Minnesotans like those commuting across the Wisconsin border, who face a complex and costly tax filing process due to the lack of an income tax reciprocity agreement between our states. This burden—requiring dual filings, navigating credits, and often paying unexpected taxes—is unacceptable. It’s time for a legislative fix to restore fairness and simplicity.
Under a Parrish administration, I will prioritize reinstating the Wisconsin-Minnesota income tax reciprocity agreement as a top legislative goal in 2027. This agreement, which ended in 2010, allowed residents to file taxes only in their home state, eliminating the need for nonresident returns and reducing administrative headaches. As Governor, I will work with the Minnesota Legislature and Wisconsin’s leadership to craft a reciprocal tax compact that ensures:
• Single-State Filing: Minnesota residents working in Wisconsin, and vice versa, will file taxes only in their state of residence, saving time and money on tax preparation.
• Fair Tax Credits: Until reciprocity is restored, I will push for streamlined processes to calculate and claim credits for taxes paid to another state, reducing errors and unexpected tax bills.
• Economic Relief: By simplifying taxes, we’ll put more money back in the pockets of cross-border workers, supporting families and local economies in border communities like Duluth and Superior.
My plan includes convening a bipartisan task force within the first 100 days of my administration to negotiate terms with Wisconsin, leveraging Minnesota’s $18 billion budget surplus to offset any revenue concerns while ensuring fiscal responsibility. I’ll also advocate for modernized tax systems, including digital tools to assist cross-border workers, reducing the “pain in the ass” of tax season described by many.
This fix aligns with my commitment to end government overreach and return resources to hardworking Minnesotans. As I’ve said, “You’re taxed on income, property, purchases, and buried in fees—taxation by another name. A Parrish administration will end this overreach and return your money to you.” Reinstating tax reciprocity is a step toward that promise, ensuring our tax system works for you, not against you.
Together, we can rebuild a Minnesota that prioritizes servant leadership, protects the working poor, and fosters cooperation with our neighbors. I’m running to serve you, and I pledge to fight for a tax system that’s fair, simple, and free of bureaucratic hoops.
Sincerely,
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota, 2026
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