Dear Neighbors,
Over the weekend, Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman, Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller, and Governor Walz announced the broad outline of a budget deal to wrap up this year’s legislative session.
Details are extremely scarce and policy items to be included in the budget are undetermined. Nevertheless, here is what we know now about the proposed framework.
- $4 billion in new spending
- $4 billion for a tax bill (unclear if this includes tax cuts or if other spending is included in the bill)
- $4 billion left on the bottom line
With a massive budget surplus, the largest in state history, it is disappointing that the negotiated “deal” still includes $4 billion in new spending. The surplus is the result of over-taxation, and you deserve your money back. Also, remember that state government was fully funded last year. State agencies do not need more funding.
Additionally, the deal would totally wipe out the surplus for next year’s legislative session. This will limit our ability to cut taxes to the levels we would like in 2023.
There is less than a week to go in the legislative session. With much work remaining on the budget areas, we will see if the Republican majority in the Senate and Democrat majority in the House can reach an agreement before the clock runs out.
As always, I will continue fighting hard for significant, ongoing tax cuts and only critically needed new spending. The budget surplus belongs to YOU!
Staying in Touch
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns as it relates to state government. I can be reached at 651-296-4229 or via email at rep.glenn.gruenhagen@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Glenn