Speaker Paul Thissen released the following statement in response to today’s economic forecast which revealed a $1 billion surplus for the upcoming budget cycle.
“Today’s economic forecast is good news and shows the progress Minnesota has made over the past two years. We’ve turned a deficit into a surplus, paid back our schools, and our state’s unemployment is at its lowest level since 2006. There can be little doubt Minnesota is headed in the right direction.
"This progress is the result of hardworking Minnesotans and a growing economy. It is also the result of a responsibly balanced passed by the DFL-led legislature that invested in the middle-class and our state’s future.
"Republicans predicted that our budget would result in job losses and an economy that would flat-line. Let this positive economic news be the nail in the coffin in the Republican claim that tax increases on corporations and the wealthy few have torpedoed Minnesota’s economy.
"Despite our economic progress, there are still more Minnesotans in every region of the state that are striving for economic security and a better life. College affordability, quality education, the cost of child care, and affordable health care are all real concerns facing Minnesota families that call for our attention.
"Thus far, we have not seen any specific proposals from the incoming Republican majority that indicate how they will actual govern. We are anxious to hear their ideas and hope we can work together on ways to continue expanding and growing the middle class during the 2015 session.”