Accessibility menu
State Representative Mike Benson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4378
For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317
NEWS RELEASE
DESPITE MINOR IMPROVEMENT, REP. BENSON SAYS SIGNIFICANT STATE BUDGET DEFICIT REMAINS
ST. PAUL – State Representative Mike Benson (R-Rochester) said he found promise in Minnesota’s updated state budget forecast, but noted that the latest positive numbers will not eliminate the projected $6.2 billion budget deficit problem.
“The increased revenue projection for Minnesota is good news,” Benson said. “But a real opportunity to reform state government remains. Prior to this update forecast, Republicans were ready to live within the means of our current $32 billion budget. Just because we have new revenue doesn’t mean we have to spend it on government programs. In my opinion, we should be using this money to incent businesses to expand their workforce.”
State economists say the 2012-13 budget deficit now totals $5.1 billion, down from a November projection of $6.2 billion. They noted that Congress’ extension of the Bush tax cuts gave consumers and business owners economic confidence, as the state witnessed a rapid growth in collections of income and sales taxes, as well as capital gains.
Benson said out-of-control state spending continues to plague Minnesota’s economy. While revenue collections are increasing at a rate of 8.8 percent, projected spending is slated to increase by an astounding 29 percent.
Benson added that if lawmakers can approve legislation that will curb spending and grow jobs this session, Minnesota’s economic condition will improve dramatically.
“We have to restrain spending increases to a level taxpayers can afford, and we have to put the 200,000 Minnesotans who are unemployed back to work as soon as possible,” Benson said.
Though Governor Dayton announced he wants to increase taxes by $4 billion to balance the budget, Benson expects the Minnesota House to approve a balanced budget bill without tax increases by the end of March.
News Items
- LAWMAKERS UNHAPPY WITH DECISION TO EXPAND GAMBLING TO PAY FOR VIKINGS STADIUM - (Posted: 2012-04-26 00:00:00)
- REP. BENSON: VOTER IDENTIFICATION DECISION NOW BELONGS TO MINNESOTA VOTERS - (Posted: 2012-04-05 00:00:00)
- REP. BENSON DISAPPOINTED WITH COMMISSIONER’S DECISION TO RELEASE CONVICTED PEDOPHILE - (Posted: 2012-02-08 00:00:00)
- Archived News Items
- Subscribe to RSS News Feeds
- Read more about RSS.