After the 2015 session began, lawmakers learned that Minnesota faced a $1.9 billion budget surplus.
Throughout the campaign, the message I heard repeatedly from residents was that the State of Minnesota was over-collecting revenue, and that lawmakers should give relief to the people who are generously funding our government programs.
A $1.9 billion surplus only solidified their point.
Months later, we set the budget for the upcoming biennium. We now spend a record amount on state government. We added more money to our budget reserves. It now sits at a record amount.
Fast forward to 2016, and with only days remaining in this legislative session, it is time to do what we told the people we were going to do: provide tax relief to our veterans, senior citizens, farmers, and Main Street business owners.
With a $900 million budget surplus remaining to be allocated, we have more than enough at our disposal to help out hardworking Minnesotans and allow them to keep more of their hard earned money.
State government programs are fully funded. Their bellies are stuffed. Now, it’s time for the taxpayers to eat.
As session winds down, know that I will continue fighting until the last minute for what my constituents said they need – relief from a huge and unwieldy state government.
It’s time for government to yield to the people. And it’s time for Minnesotans to receive some long overdue tax relief.