Senator Justin Eichorn: Sustainable spending and opportunity for middle-class key focus in budget release

Senate Republicans unveiled their $47.6 billion budget proposal for the upcoming two-year state budget Thursday afternoon. The proposal, which avoids raising taxes or fees on Minnesotans, will serve as a starting point for the Senate’s budget negotiations as the legislature heads into the final two months of session.

Following the release of the budget Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids) released the following statement:

“Over the past several weeks, the legislature has listened to the Governor’s budget proposal, our state’s economic forecast and Minnesotans feedback to put together a realistic and responsible budget that addresses the shared needs in our state without raising taxes. The proposal unveiled today makes sure that government spending and taxing does not rise to any unsustainable levels but instead and allows all Minnesota residents and our private sector the opportunity to succeed.”

The budget proposes significant investments in transportation, education, health and human services, and public safety. The budget includes a one-time boost of $30 million for broadband expansion in Greater Minnesota, $3 million to hold fraudulent childcare centers accountable, and $25 million for mental health grants. The budget also dedicates $8.12 billion toward roads, bridges, and transit – without raising the gas tax or increasing license plate tab fees. Senate Republicans are proposing to invest $3.355 billion – an additional $65.7 million over the previous budget – in higher education and career and technical education.

The budget proposal includes $5 million for elder care protections, $4 million to expand access to treatment and services for those with opioid addictions and hold drug manufacturers accountable for their prescription practices, and $75 million for schools to enhance safety protocols. Finally, the budget includes $19.684 billion, or $843 million more than the previous budget, for K-12 education.

Budget documents:

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