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State Representative John Ward
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4333
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
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REP. WARD EXPRESS CAUTION OVER STATE BUDGET FORECAST
ST. PAUL, MN – State Representative John Ward (DFL-Brainerd) viewed the state budget forecast that was released today in the same light as the state weather forecast-something to be watched carefully.
"We're getting bogged down by the snow and bogged down by the state budget forecast," said Rep. Ward. "We need to find some way to dig ourselves out of this."
According to the Minnesota Department of Finance, the budget outlook for FY 2008-09 remains unchanged. A small improvement in the revenue outlook is almost completely offset by a small increase in projected expenditures. The bottom line shows a projected surplus of $2.163 billion dollars. After inflation is factored in, that amount is actually closer to $1 billion – all in one-time money.
In addition, job growth has been flat for the past year, single-family housing starts are down and unemployment in Minnesota is rising.
"Minnesota has typically been better than the national average in both regards," said Ward. "It appears that now our state economy is closer to the federal trend in higher unemployment and lower job growth. This is a troubling reversal."
The forecast that was released today will be used to set the state budget target numbers for the next two years. The Governor has already released his budget, which will likely be revised in light of today's forecast.
Rep. Ward expressed the need for caution with regard to the upcoming budget process.
"I ran for office because I want to address the concerns of Minnesotans- they want improved funding for education, more affordable health care for all and significant property tax reform," said Ward. "I will continue to work toward those goals in the most fiscally responsible way possible, keeping the constraints of this budget in mind.
"The good news is, this forecast will not get anyone kicked off of health care or close any schools," he added. "But, it also won't fund all of our needs the way we would like to.
We need to make sure that any budget recommendations we make are sound, and sustainable for the future."
If you would like to contact Rep. Ward, he can be reached at (651) 296- 4333, or 1-800-683-4205, by mail at 533 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.john.ward@house.mn.
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