MANKATO, MN – Officials from Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) today announced a forecasted $1.871 state billion surplus. With $682 million allocated by law to the budget reserve, and $71 million being allocated to environmental funds, this leaves $1.206 billion on the state's bottom line.
State Rep. Jack Considine (DFL – Mankato) released the following statement:
“Having such a large budget surplus heading into 2016 is certainly good news, and shows that our state has a strong financial outlook. It also highlights the need to finally take care of many of the needs which regrettably went ignored during the 2015 session, such as our roads and bridges, broadband infrastructure, tuition relief and funding for those who take care of our elderly and disabled.
“With today’s news, it’s time for all of the talk about passing a comprehensive transportation bill to finally turn into action. Our roads are falling apart and our bridges are crumbling, and it seems this problem gets more expensive by the week. We can’t afford another session with a failure to compromise on this issue.
“Solving our transportation problem will lead to more job creation in Greater Minnesota, as will a solid investment in broadband. This year’s proposal from the House Republicans of $8 million was woefully inadequate, and this is another area in which Greater Minnesota cannot afford to continue falling behind if we want to stay competitive.”
Rep. Considine can be reached by phone at 651-296-3248 or email at rep.jack.considine@house.mn.
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