ST. PAUL – The updated state budget numbers are in, and they are extremely positive according to State Representative Jason Rarick (R-Pine City).
Minnesota's economic experts recently found that our state is projected to see a nearly $1.9 billion surplus for the 2016-17 budget cycle.
"It's great to see the economy in the black, but it's also clear that Minnesota's citizens are being overtaxed," Rarick said. "Over the last two sessions we watched taxes and fees raised on hardworking taxpayers by $2 billion. There's no reason to be thinking about raising taxes again this session – especially taxes that would cause the price of gasoline to rise."
The windfall comes from both an increase in projected revenue and a decrease in expected spending.
"Ideally, it would be nice to give the money back to the taxpayers," Rarick said. "Within the House majority, there is strong support to use this surplus to provide tax relief. Investing in roads and bridges as well as senior care are also popular options as both have a need for new revenue."
"Lawmakers can now use this forecast to begin the budget setting process, and in the next few weeks both the House and Senate will craft budget plans that utilize this projected windfall," Rarick concluded.