(ST. PAUL) — Today, Governor Dayton unveiled his proposed budget for the next two fiscal years. The state is facing a $1.1 billion budget deficit and owes its schools another $1.1 billion.
Governor Dayton’s budget includes $118 million in new K-12 funding, including $52 in new money for every student, $92 million in early learning, $40 million for optional all-day Kindergarten, and $240 million in new higher education funding. The budget proposal also includes $1.4 billion in direct property tax relief through a $500 property tax rebate, and increases aid to local governments and counties by $120 million. Governor Dayton’s budget invests $86.5 million in economic development programs.
Assistant Majority Leader Rep. John Ward (DFL – Baxter) released the following statement:
“I applaud Governor Dayton for putting forward an honest budget that balances without gimmicks, while making the investments we need to grow our economy and middle class. We know that an educated workforce is an essential part of our economic competitiveness and is one of the best investments we can make. The governor’s budget rightly reflects the fact that education funding hasn’t kept up with inflation and that we’re near the bottom in class sizes. Smart, targeted investments in proven economic development programs will help boost our economy in the short term and attract new business to Minnesota.
“In addition, the governor’s budget would provide much needed property tax relief for a middle class that has seen property taxes double over the last eight years. Lowering property taxes will help our families, seniors, and businesses, and it’s something we have to get done this session.
“This budget proposal is just the first piece of the budget puzzle. I look forward to getting into the details of the governor’s budget and hearing from folks in our district on how best to balance the budget.”
Rep. Ward encourages constituents to contact him with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Rep. Ward can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or by email at rep.john.ward@house.mn. Constituents can also visit Rep. Ward’s legislative page and sign up for email updates.