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 Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria)
released the following statement:
“Over the past few months, we’ve
listened to Minnesotans as they’ve told us time and time again that they don’t
want a 48-cent per gallon gas tax or a tax on doctor visits just for being sick
but instead want realistic and responsible budgeting. Today’s budget underlines
those principles by focusing on protecting Minnesota families, our taxpayers,
and our state’s most vulnerable populations. Through this exercise of restraint
in government we can give all Minnesotans the opportunity to succeed while
still funding our shared priorities.”
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: