Budget forecast shows state surplus shrinking to $900 million
Lien sees opportunity for Legislature to focus on growing Minnesota’s economy
St. Paul, Minn. — Today, the Office of Minnesota Management and Budget announced a forecast balance of $900 million for the fiscal year 2016-17 biennium, a reduction from the $1.2 billion projected last December. State Rep. Ben Lien (DFL-Moorhead) thinks that with the forecast showing slowing economic growth, the coming legislative session should focus expanded economic opportunity for ordinary Minnesotans.
"Our economy and budget picture continue to be strong; however, with the lower budget surplus we now have, we must be diligent to focus our resources to grow the economy for the future,” Lien said. “We must be wise to make investments that will return economic dividends."
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. Lien sees this as reason for the Legislature to act on solutions which will increase incomes and grow economic opportunity for middle class families, especially in Greater Minnesota.
"I have been focusing on ways to connect employers with the future of our workforce through higher education,” Lien said. “Employers have many open jobs available, but can't find people with the right skills to fill those jobs. By encouraging relationships with employers and our higher education system, we can ensure everyone in Minnesota has an opportunity to succeed and that our economy is ready for the 21st century."
The 2016 Minnesota Legislative Session convenes on March 8, and due to construction on the State Capitol complex, is expected to be one of the shortest in modern history, at approximately 10 weeks. Lien encourages constituents to contact him with their comments and questions at 651-296-5515 or rep.ben.lien@house.mn.
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