Dear Neighbors,
I hope this message finds you and your family doing well during the holiday season. This time of year is for joy, celebration, and hope for what’s yet to come on the horizon. There have been unquestionable difficulties and wide divisions over the past couple of years. Despite our challenges, I’m hopeful that by coming together, we can overcome the roadblocks before us and have a healthy, prosperous new year.
New Budget Forecast
Officials from Minnesota Management and Budget recently announced a new economic forecast which showed a projected $7.7 billion positive balance for the current biennium. This projection is evidence of strong economic recovery as a result of indicators such as increasing incomes, higher consumer spending, and lower unemployment.
Despite the significant surplus, many Minnesotans are still struggling, particularly front-line workers, small businesses, and students. The new forecast represents an incredible opportunity to invest in the future success of our whole state and help continue to bounce back from some incredibly challenging times. While we’re still looking to close the book on this pandemic, it’s time to look forward to how we can keep our economy growing and help middle-class families experience long-term prosperity.
It’s important that we continue to be pragmatic, fiscally responsible, and position the state for long-term financial security while enhancing the lives of Minnesotans. This upcoming legislative session, I’m hopeful we can work together to advance bread-and-butter priorities to help our region and state thrive into the future.
Again, I want to offer my warmest wishes for a safe, happy holiday season with a very Merry Christmas. As always, feel free to contact me to share your input on issues important to you, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you and our region in the Minnesota House.
Sincerely,
Dave Lislegard
State Representative