Friends and neighbors,

Bad news for Minnesotans hoping to rein in unsustainable state spending: the new budget is $66 billion. While slightly lower than the $70 billion budget passed two years ago, it remains dramatically higher than any budget before that. House Republicans were able to stop some of the worst proposals, but the damage from one-party Democrat control continues.

The budget fails to correct course from the $6 billion deficit Democrats created through reckless overspending. It cuts funding for nursing homes, disability services, and special education, while shifting costs onto counties, which will potentially force local property tax hikes. It also includes $4.2 billion in new taxes, fees, and surcharges over the next four years, making life more expensive for families across the state.

Meanwhile, operating budgets for Walz administration agencies will grow by $770 million, and no meaningful relief was provided to schools struggling under the weight of unfunded mandates. And a bipartisan bill to create an independent Inspector General’s office to help crack down on waste and fraud failed to get across the finish line.

We’re grateful House Republicans slowed the spending spree of the last two years, but there’s still much more work to do to put Minnesotans first.

Sincerely,

Senator Steve Drazkowski