April report from MN Dept. of Revenue shows $489M more in tax revenue

Following a recent report from the Minnesota Department of Revenue that indicates the state took in nearly half a billion dollars more in taxes than expected in April, Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) credited Minnesota’s growing economy for the 17.1% increase in revenue. Since the beginning of the 2019 fiscal year, in total, the state has taken in $573 million more in taxpayer funds than forecasted.

“Our state economy continues to grow, driving increased revenues for the state,” said Senator Nelson. “As we continue bipartisan budget discussions at the state legislature, we should look to carry on policies that foster economic growth, expand innovation, and prepare our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.”

Senator Nelson, chair of the Senate E-12 Education Committee, oversaw the bipartisan Education Conference Committee over the weekend, meeting with members from both the Senate and House of Representatives to adopt similar provisions contained within both the Senate and House education budgets.

“While the governor and legislative leaders have yet to come to a final global budget agreement, we continue to work in a bipartisan manner with the House to establish a balanced education bill,” added Senator Nelson. “The Senate education bill puts students first, funds what works, and focuses on developing the next generation of Minnesota’s workforce.”

Senator Nelson and the Education Budget Conference Committee continued their work on Monday, May 13. Legislative leaders and the governor continue to meet and exchange offers for a global budget agreement. The initial offer from the House and governor included nearly $12 billion in tax and fee increases, while the Senate budget included only a $20 million fee to combat the opioid epidemic.

“When House and Senate leaders and the Governor agree upon the size of the next Minnesota budget, the Education Conference Committee will be ready to adopt an education budget and policies that will advance our students and best prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow,” concluded Senator Nelson.

Sen. Nelson represents Chatfield, Dover, Eyota, Rochester, Stewartville, and 14 of Olmsted County’s 18 townships. Sen. Nelson is a small business owner, comes from a family of educators, was a special education teacher, a Title One Teacher, a middle school teacher, and a reading specialist.