Benjamin Franklin once said, “Watch
the small things. A small leak can sink a great ship.” Senate Republicans take
this to heart when structuring their $47.6 billion budget proposal for the
upcoming two-year state budget Thursday afternoon. The proposal is meant to control costs and avoid raising taxes or fees
on Minnesotans.
Following the release of the budget Senator Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks)
released the following statement:
“Prudent Minnesota families prioritize spending to live within their own budgets; we are asking the state to do the same. Minnesotans should expect an affordable plan that allows us to focus on our shared priorities like education, transportation, and caring for our state’s vulnerable populations.”
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: