Senator Andrew Mathews (R-Milaca) issued the following statement after Governor Tim Walz’s Department of Revenue released a report of the State of Minnesota’s revenues in April, indicating $489 million more in taxpayer dollars taken in by the state than originally projected, representing a 17.1% increase. Since the beginning of the 2019 fiscal year, in total, the state has taken in $573 million more in taxpayer funds than forecasted.

“From sales taxes to personal income taxes, the State of Minnesota continues to take more money than it needs from hardworking Minnesotans,” said Senator Mathews. “It is important to remember, this is on top of an already existing billion dollar state budget surplus from the last two year budget period. It is clear: we do not need to raise taxes to fund the priorities of Minnesotans. I will continue to fight for a balanced budget that does not include the Governor’s proposed gas tax increase, “sick tax”, tab fee increases, and other onerous taxes on Minnesota families. In fact, the Department of Revenue issued another report that indicated lower- and middle-income Minnesotans would be hit the hardest by the Governor’s tax increase plan. Instead, I support the Senate budget that includes an income tax decrease for middle-income Minnesota families. It is time for state government to live within its means, just like families across our state do every day.”