St. Paul, Minnesota — Today the Office of Minnesota Management and Budget announced a forecast balance of $900 million for the FY 2016-17 biennium, a reduction from the $1.2 billion forecasted last December. State Rep. Jeanne Poppe (DFL-Austin) said the February forecast shows that Minnesota’s budget is stable, but uncertain. She added the legislature’s priority this session should be providing opportunity for Minnesotans who continue to be squeezed by an economy that has not been working for everyone.
“A stable budget is good news for Minnesota, but it is clear that the current economy is not working for every part of Minnesota,” said Rep. Jeanne Poppe (DFL-Austin). “In many pockets of the state everyday Minnesotans are still struggling to get by. We need to refocus our efforts to help middle class families.”
The forecast revealed that Minnesota continues to have low unemployment and a stable budget. However, global economic trends forecast a more pessimistic outlook for the future. Rep. Poppe said her main focus in 2016 will be priorities to expand incomes and grow economic opportunity for middle class families.
“We need to make sure Minnesotans in every corner of the state are the priority. Too many businesses struggle to compete in a 21st century economy with slow internet, too many students don’t have access to career and technical training they need to find jobs in their communities, and too many families struggle with increasing property taxes," said Rep. Poppe. “This session should put Minnesota families first and I will continue to push to expand opportunities for every Minnesotan, no matter where they live.”
The 2016 Legislative Session begins on March 8th.
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