St. Paul, Minn. – Today, officials from Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released the November Economic Forecast, highlighted by a projected $1.4 billion surplus for the coming two-year budget cycle. The report noted that overall, the long term state budget outlook is stable, but economic growth remains slow, with many uncertainties both domestically and abroad.
State Rep. Jeanne Poppe (DFL – Austin) released the following statement:
“The news of another budget surplus is certainly good, but other indications in the forecast mean we must exercise caution. This surplus presents an opportunity to take some steps to improve the lives of Minnesota families without breaking the bank or putting our long term economic stability at risk. Many Minnesotans are struggling to get by due to barriers such as property taxes, student debt, the cost of caring for older family members, and child care costs. This coming session I will work to prioritize solutions to these. We also have the capacity to pass a sizable bonding bill investing in Minnesota infrastructure.
“Most immediately though, we need to come together on a bipartisan basis to solve the problem of rising health insurance premiums in the individual market. With the campaign behind us, many Minnesotans are counting on us to take action, and to do so as soon as possible. I’m ready to be part of the solution in a special session later this month.”
The 2017 Minnesota legislative session convenes on January 3.