ST. PAUL – Senate Minority Leader Johnson released the following statement on the state budget forecast indicating a $2.4 billion surplus dulled by a looming $2.3 billion deficit beginning in 2025: 

“Today’s announcement of a short-term surplus with a $2.3 billion deficit is a direct result of Democrat’s out of control spending. They spent the entire surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion, and now we are seeing future deficits on the horizon. Minnesotans can’t afford one-party Democrat control. 

“The ‘insatiable appetite’ for tax increases will only grow this session. Despite historic funding for education, local schools are proposing local tax increases because Democrats underfunded their mandates. Small businesses are getting hammered with tax hikes, health care costs, and inflation. Consumers are spending more because costs are higher due to inflation.    

“This forecast is a reminder that Democrats have broken their promises to Minnesotans. They spent the surplus, raised taxes on the middle class, and handed out paltry rebate checks—which we learned will be reduced by federal taxes. Their spending spree hurts every Minnesotan with higher taxes and costs at a time when they are desperate for relief.”