Saint Paul, Minn. — Today, Minnesota Management and Budget released a new budget forecast showing a projected balance of $7.7 billion for the current two-year budget cycle. House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, Ways and Means Committee Chair Rep. Rena Moran, and Senate DFL Leader Melisa López Franzen issued the following statements.
“Many corporations and rich individuals are better off now than ever before, and our budget forecast shows that. But too many Minnesotans are living paycheck to paycheck and facing an uncertain future,” said Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “Minnesota is in a strong financial position to help workers, families, and small businesses get through our current challenges. House Democrats will put the needs of workers, families, and small businesses first, and will work to support paid sick leave for all Minnesotans, higher wages for essential workers, and better education and health for all of us. We will not cut taxes for big corporations and rich individuals at the expense of Minnesotans living paycheck to paycheck. Today’s economic and budget report shows that Democratic policies work. When we help workers, families and small businesses thrive, they grow our economy. We will continue to prioritize those Minnesotans, and won’t go back to the failed Republican policies favoring the rich.”
“While today’s budget forecast is great news, it doesn’t alter the uncertainty and challenges too many people are facing, particularly those working on the front lines of COVID every day,” said Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – Saint Paul), chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. “As Minnesota’s economy continues to recover, but with the pandemic still to overcome, workers and families are counting on legislators to prioritize their economic security and build a stronger future for everyone in our state.”
“Today’s forecast is a sign that despite the challenges of this unprecedented pandemic, we are well positioned to invest in the people of Minnesota and ensure a fair recovery for all, especially those low-income and frontline workers who sacrificed the most during this crisis,” said Senate DFL Leader Melisa López Franzen. “This is an opportunity to address real issues facing families and workers throughout the state, like addressing the crisis in accessible childcare and lack of affordable housing. Above all else now it is up to us in the legislature to come together in the upcoming session and put the needs of working Minnesotans first.”