Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday announced his 2021 budget proposal, which calls for $52.4 billion in spending and more than $1.6 billion in new taxes. It represents a spending increase of $4.4 billion from the previous budget.

Senator Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson) issued the following statement in response.

“The governor’s budget offer completely misses the mark. The governor seems focused on helping Minnesota government, but that’s not what regular folks need. Minnesotans have different priorities: they are asking to get back to work. They are asking to reopen their businesses. They are asking to get their children back in schools and for more opportunities for all kids. They are asking for a strong economy that will put them in a position to get a better job, a raise, or a promotion. It is difficult to take the governor’s offer seriously.”

Senator Newman will provide more specifics about the governor’s budget in the coming days. Senate Republicans previously announced their priorities for the 2021 session.