SAINT PAUL, MN – Rep. Mary Franson, R-Alexandria, released the following statement regarding Minnesota Management & Budget’s announcement on Friday of a new state economic forecast which projects a $1.6 billion surplus for the 2022-2023 biennium:
“It is so encouraging to see that Minnesota’s economy is on the road to recovery after a year of shutdowns that have devastated our families and businesses. Government needs to keep encouraging this growth to help businesses, jobs, and paychecks bounce back.
“It’s shocking that given a $1.6 billion surplus, Gov. Walz and Democrats continue to push massive tax hikes that would impact Minnesotans at every income level. We cannot raise taxes on families and businesses who have sacrificed so much over the past year. Government needs to tighten its belt by streamlining services, cutting wasteful spending, and respecting the tax dollars that residents already send to St. Paul.
“Our economic recovery is just beginning. The Democrats’ tax hikes will only hurt the progress we desperately need after this pandemic. Imagine if we coupled cutting taxes with allowing businesses to operate at full capacity just how roaring Minnesota’s economy could truly be.”