Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week was quite busy at the Capitol with Governor Dayton releasing his budget recommendations to the public. His plan includes a $3 billion increase in general fund spending and $903 million in tax increases on hardworking Minnesota taxpayers.
Currently, the state has a $1 billion surplus, and I am disappointed that the governor wants to go back to you, the taxpayer, for even more money to increase government spending. If his budget recommendations were to become law, overall government spending would be increased by an astronomical $1244 for every man, woman and child in the state of Minnesota!
While there are some very valid recommendations in the governor’s budget, I fear that in its current form there are still too many misplaced priorities that don’t benefit Minnesotans.
Legislators will be learning more about his budget recommendations in the coming weeks, hearing from state agencies testifying before committees. The House will not release their budget targets for committees until after the February forecast is released.
In the meantime, if you have comments about Governor Dayton’s budget or have ideas on how to improve state government, I welcome you to call, email or stop by my office. Your feedback helps make me be a better legislator!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Brian