On Thursday, December 5, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) announced a projected $1.616 billion budget surplus for the State of Minnesota in the current fiscal year. The surplus includes an automatic allocation to Minnesota’s budget reserves, also known as the “rainy day fund”, totaling the reserve balance at $2.359 billion – the highest level in state history. After the reserve allocation, the state general fund balance stands at $1.332 billion.

“We’ve funded our priorities, the savings account is full, and we must banish any talk of future tax increases,” said Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester), Chairwoman of the Senate E-12 Education Committee, which oversees over 40 percent of the Minnesota state budget. “Minnesota is just one of thirteen states that still taxes social security and I will once again push to fully exempt every senior citizen from paying what amounts to double taxation.”

Sen. Nelson also plans to introduce legislation to pay back the counties for their costs after following DHS guidance to overcharge the federal government. “I will not see my constituents’ property taxes go up because the county commissioners followed DHS directions!”

“While it’s true we have more money than ever, our state agencies continue to spend that money with less accountability than ever. I will continue to shine a light on the ongoing mismanagement at the Department of Human Services (DHS) to prevent future fraud,” added Nelson.