Senator Dan Hall (R-Burnsville) today announced a set of budget principles Senate Republicans will use when putting together the 2019 state budget. The principles were announced in advance of the February 19 deadline for Gov. Tim Walz to submit his budget to the Minnesota Legislature.
“For far too long our government has grown at an unreasonable and unsustainable pace that will inevitably grow to threaten the people of this state,” said Senator Dan Hall. “The principles outlined below stand as our caucus values and final line in the sand for budget negotiations with the House and Governor. These principles focus on empowering you, the people of Minnesota, protecting you from the fear of increased taxes or unmanageable mandates.”
Take care of people: Senate Republicans care about people, and it will be our first principle in putting together the 2019 budget. That includes kids in childcare, students, veterans, seniors in the nursing home – and everyone in between.
Protect the taxpayer by living within our means: We have a healthy surplus and the most robust rainy-day fund in the history of the state. There is no need to ask Minnesotans for any more tax revenue. We can take care of people without renewing the sick tax. We can make roads and bridges a priority without raising the gas tax.
Control spending and hold government accountable: State government should not grow at an unsustainable, unreasonable rate like we have the last eight years (39% growth in the general fund). Our job is to set priorities and make the tough choices to fund them.
Be transparent and get done on time: Senate Republicans will move the budget through the process in a timely and transparent manner. We will introduce separate bills for each part of the budget, hold open hearings for bills so the public can keep track, and negotiate in good faith before final adjournment.