Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) released the following statement in response to Governor Tim Walz’s budget proposal today:

“We have an opportunity to get back to responsible spending, lowering taxes, and helping every Minnesotan get essential services they need to live in their community and secure their future prosperity. The Governor’s proposal today missed that opportunity.

“We need a budget that puts Minnesotans first, not government first. Republicans will stand firm against budgeting tricks that raise fees and taxes on regular Minnesotans. Walz’s proposal today ignores Democrat’s runaway spending, does nothing to address the massive expansion of free benefits to illegals, and won’t address the long-term systemic issues with our disability and special education services. True budgeting reform will protect those most in need as much as it protects the taxpayers’ investments.”