Dear neighbors,
Last week, the latest forecast for Minnesota’s state budget was released by Minnesota Management & Budget (MMB).
According to MMB’s latest figures, lawmakers will enter next year's legislative session with a $1.9 billion surplus. Roughly $665 million of that will be set aside for reserves and repayments, leaving about $1.2 billion of surplus.
That is the third straight year of budget surpluses thanks to the DFL budget passed when we were in control of the legislature during the 2013-14 biennium.
Despite our stable economy and budget, there are still many ordinary Minnesotans who are feeling left behind in this economy. And many Minnesotans are worse because of poor decisions made by the current legislative majority this past session.
Lawmakers entered this year's session with a $2 billion surplus, but House GOP leaders pushed an agenda that put corporate special interests ahead of Minnesota families, including big tax cuts for the wealthiest property owners in Minnesota. Meanwhile, many Minnesotans were left to deal with increased property taxes, higher college tuition, and higher health care costs.
It was a huge missed opportunity, and now we need to put the interests of everyday Minnesotans ahead of special interests. With another large surplus, the legislature can and should do better this year.
There is also good news for the strength of Minnesota's economy in the budget forecast. Now it's up to us to do our part to make sure that translates into state policy that improves the lives of all Minnesotans, and addresses our needs. We need to urgently fix our state’s crumbling infrastructure, help local governments keep property taxes down, and invest in proven strategies to grow jobs and attract businesses and people to greater Minnesota communities.
Send me your ideas about our budget surplus and what you’d like to see the legislature address this upcoming session. I welcome your questions, comments, or concerns.
It’s a privilege to serve you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Mike Sundin
State Representative