We asked Minnesota leaders if they’ll return some of the $17.6 billion surplus. Here’s what they said.

Christopher Magan, Pioneer Press
·3 min read
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Minnesota has a historic $17.6 billion budget surplus as lawmakers work to craft the next two-year state budget that’s expected to top $55 billion.

We asked Minnesota political leaders: “Are you committed to giving back some of the budget surplus?”

Here’s what they said:

Gov. Tim Walz, Democrat

“With a historic budget surplus comes a historic opportunity to put money back in the pockets of the people who’ve made our economy strong and resilient in the first place. Whether it be through tax cuts or direct payments, we are committed to lowering costs for our working families, small businesses and seniors while investing in the things that make life easier. Minnesotans spoke loud and clear last November, and we are working to provide direct relief as quickly as possible.”

House Speaker Melissa Hortman, Democrat

“It’s important that we use the surplus to help Minnesotans afford their lives. Right now, too many families are priced out of the housing, day care and medical care they need. We will work to make all of those things more affordable by investing state dollars. It’s too early in the legislative session and the legislative process to know exactly what will happen on tax policy.

“I’m confident that our House Tax Chair (Aisha) Gomez, Revenue Commissioner (Paul) Marquart, and Senate Tax Chair (Ann) Rest will work together to craft a tax bill that is fair and progressive. Everything is still in the mix at this point. House DFLers believe any tax cuts should go to help those who need it the most.”

House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth, Republican

“Minnesotans are being massively overtaxed, and House Republicans are committed to giving as much as possible back to Minnesotans. Families deserve their money back as they continue to deal with the high cost of groceries, home heating bills and other everyday necessities.”

Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic, Democrat

“The new Senate DFL majority is committed to using the surplus to help Minnesotans afford their lives — and we are off to a fast start. In just the second week of the legislative session, we moved quickly to pass more than $100 million in tax cuts for 600,000 Minnesota small businesses, families and students. The governor signed that bill into law on Thursday.

As we move forward into this legislative session, we will work with the House and the governor to put together a state budget that improves family budgets. We’ll do that by reducing costs for things like child care, health care and housing. Our tax committees in both the House and Senate will also continue working on a variety of policies that improve the lives of Minnesotans.”

Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, Republican

“Our top priority is to return the surplus back to the taxpayers, eliminate the tax on Social Security and lower taxes for the middle class. We can support law enforcement with recruitment and retention, get kids back on track with literacy training for teachers, and take care of our elders with skills and education for health care workers. What we don’t need to do is spend one-time surplus funds on new programs and burden future generations with an expensive bureaucracy.”

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