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 Dan Hall (R-Burnsville) released
the following statement:
“Today, the Minnesota Senate
released our budget with the sole focus of empowering Minnesotans and their
families while protecting them from increased taxes and unmanageable fees. The
principles outlined in our budget outline our caucuses values emphasizing the principles of accessibility,
affordability, and accountability. Our responsible budget ensures that we can
focus on Minnesotans shared priorities without hanging our future or any of
residents out to dry.”
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: