ST. PAUL – House Republicans released their budget proposal today for the upcoming biennium. Rep. Jim Knoblach, R-St. Cloud, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, reviewed the budget to a packed press conference in the State Office Building.
Highlights of the budget include the following:
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Total spending of $39.95 billion, a $1.4 billion increase, or 4 percent, from the current budget;
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An additional $100 million being put in the budget reserve;
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Overall tax relief of $2 billion for Minnesotans;
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Unallocated money of $314 million, which will be available for further spending if needed, the budget reserve, or other uses as the session develops.
Included in the $39.95 billion of spending are the following highlights:
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An increase of over $1 billion in E-12 education funding compared to the current budget;
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An increase of $443 million in health and human services funding, which will include funding for nursing homes. Also included will be a major initiative to deal with eligibility problems in Medical Assistance, which has been highlighted by the nonpartisan Legislative Auditor and is costing the state hundreds of millions of dollars per year;
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An increase of $108 million for public safety, the courts, criminal apprehension, and related efforts;
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An increase of over $100 million for higher education, which will allow a tuition freeze at MNSCU if the Higher Education Committee decides on having a freeze.
"This budget funds important priorities, puts extra money in the budget reserve, and restrains spending growth to what average Minnesotans are experiencing," Knoblach said. "We will now wait for the Senate DFL budget proposal so that we can begin the process of passing omnibus bills and negotiating with the Senate and the governor to bring the session to a successful conclusion."
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