ST. PAUL, MN –Today Senate Republicans released the following statements on the State’s projected $7.7 billion surplus:

Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller (R- Winona):

The budget surplus gives our state a lot of options to make the lives of Minnesotans more affordable. With inflation, increasing energy prices, and continued economic hardship, it’s more important than ever for us to partner together to make sure families have the resources they need to thrive. We can also provide our small businesses the economic support to grow and create good-paying jobs. The top priority of Senate Republicans this session will be to provide additional tax relief to Minnesotans across the state.

Senate Finance Chairwoman Julie Rosen (R- Fairmount):

It will be tempting to celebrate a large budget surplus, but I feel bad for the Minnesotans bearing the weight of this surplus. I would urge everyone to exercise some caution. Our state spending increases are unsustainable. The resilience of Minnesotans and an influx of federal funds has this particular budget in good shape, but we still have to get government spending back under control, improve accountability and transparency, and provide some badly-needed relief to Minnesota workers. Those will be my priorities for the upcoming year.

Senate Tax Committee Chairwoman Carla Nelson (R- Rochester):

Today’s historic $7.7 billion surplus means it is time to right-size our state tax collections and provide foroverdue tax relief for hard-working Minnesotans. Too many are getting squeezed with higher prices caused by inflationary increases in buying everyday goods including energy, gas, and basic necessities. Minnesota routinely has some of the highest tax burdens in our nation. This enormous surplus gives us the opportunity to dig deep into our tax structure and find ways to empower Minnesota families and drive economic growth through significant, broad tax relief. Far too many Minnesotans barely made it through the pandemic. Now inflation is adding to their struggles. It’s time to provide some relief.