Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka released the following statement on yesterday’s announcement of a $2.684 billion government surplus (11.2%) due to more than expected from all major tax receipts:

“Yesterday’s surplus collection is no surprise given the amount of federal stimulus sent to the state. What’s most disturbing is that even in spite of the expected surplus and federal funds, Gov. Walz and legislative democrats still proposed billions in tax increases on Minnesotans.  

“Nearly a billion dollars of tax relief was only possible because Senate Republicans held strong on protecting employees, employers, and families from the harmful and totally unnecessary tax increases proposed by Democrats in St. Paul. Surplus collections are a reminder that government doesn’t need more from taxpayers, it has more than enough already.”