On Thursday, Feb. 29, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released its annual February revenue forecast, which provides an outlook for the state’s financial picture. The forecast shows Democrat tax increases leading to a $3.7 billion surplus in 2025 and a $1.5 billion structural deficit beginning in 2026. The deficit is forecasted as if the surplus will not be spent, meaning on-going spending bills passed in 2024 could further increase the structural deficit.

Senator Cal Bahr (R-East Bethel) released the following statement on the February budget forecast:

“I find the February forecast very alarming because it shows our state budget continues to spend more money than is being brought in. Last session, Democrats grew government by 38% and raised your taxes by nearly $10 billion. This outrageous spending is unsustainable, and Minnesotans deserve better than bloated government bureaucracy.

“We need to rein in Democrats’ out-of-control spending habits and focus on ways to repair our state budget and safeguard taxpayer dollars. Minnesotans cannot afford another year under one-party control.”