ST. PAUL – Minnesota Management and Budget today announced the February Economic Forecast which showed a state budget surplus of $1.65 billion, up from the $1.4 billion projected in November.
State Rep. Jason Metsa (DFL – Virgina) released the following statement:
“It’s great news that Minnesota’s budget remains stable and I hope we can come together to pass an equitable budget that secures the economic future for Minnesotans. Along with moving forward measures such as paid family and medical leave, this surplus provides an opportunity to make investments in our schools, improve our public infrastructure and make targeted tax cuts to seniors and working families.
“This solid economic outlook is a testament to our ability to avoid reckless budgeting. In fact, in this forecast we can still see results from the smart budget with fair taxes passed by DFL legislators in 2013. It would be a drastic mistake to put all of this at risk with massive tax giveaways to big corporations and the richest Minnesotans as Republicans are looking to do.
“There are some good budgeting policies we can pass on a bipartisan basis, such as repealing the June accelerated sales tax requirement. Overall though, our state budget should be focused on the improving the lives of Minnesota families and increasing opportunities for them to find success.”