Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson (R- East Grand Forks) released the following statement on the state’s record $17.6 billion surplus announced today:   “This surplus continues to show that the government is doing well – we have another hefty surplus and a brimming budget reserve. This is the moment policymakers must step up to put the needs of Minnesotans first. We are being battered with high property taxes, rapid inflation, rising energy costs, and a looming recession. We need real relief that all Minnesotans can count on for years to come.”

“What we don’t need is this Democrat-controlled government to create massive increases in government spending – guaranteeing higher taxes for Minnesota’s families and businesses. The last time Democrats had single-party control, we saw a plethora of new government programs requiring billions in permanent tax and fee increases. We simply can’t afford to see government grow faster than our paychecks. Senate Republicans are committed to fighting for the pocketbooks of Minnesotans across the state.”