Dear Neighbor, Recently Minnesota Management and Budget predicted another $2.4 billion surplus. While we won’t know the final figure until the new budget forecast is released in December, this number illustrates that Minnesotans are taxed far too much. Despite a $17.5 billion surplus last session, Democrats raised taxes by $10 billion and grew government by 40%. It shouldn't come as a surprise that this news of billions more in surplus made Democrats consider even more spending, instead of giving it back to taxpayers in the form of permanent, meaningful tax relief. They promised a full elimination of the tax on social security and $2,000 rebates during the campaign, but in the end, bigger government and more spending won their votes. One of the most egregious examples of last session's spending spree is the Democrats' $500 million renovation and expansion of the State Office Building - more than 5 times what it cost to construct the brand new Senate Office Building in 2017. There is absolutely no excuse for building a palace for politicians when families are stretching their budgets to make ends meet. If Minnesotans have to budget to deal with the rising cost of living and inflation, the state's government should too. I will continue fighting for serious tax relief and responsible spending next session. We need to do right by Minnesota families before we spend any more money to keep growing government. News from District 14AThis week I helped Sartell Brownies Troop #022 get their badge for Government Affairs!  Getting to meet constituents and help students learn about what goes on in government are some of my favorite parts of being a legislator. Thank you to Troop #022 for spending time learning with me! Kids are our future, and our future is bright! |