Senate Republicans this week attempted to bring forward legislation that would give half that state’s surplus back to taxpayers in the form of a rebate. The bill provides joint filers with a $4,400 check, and single filers with a $2,200 check. The rebates would be one-time checks that would not be subject to state income taxes.

“Minnesotans want and need permanent tax relief,” said Senator Michael Kreun (R-Blaine), who is a co-author on the bill. “Unfortunately, Democrats have shown that their priority this year is to raise taxes, despite a $19 billion surplus. This bill is the best opportunity we have to get the surplus back in the hands of the taxpayers.”  

Earlier this week, it was also announced that Minnesota now has a $17.5 billion surplus. Due to a bill passed last week, this number accounts for inflation. Had that bill not passed, the surplus would have been estimated much closer to $19 billion.

“Minnesotans expect us to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, but such a historic surplus demonstrates the opposite,” continued Kreun. “Families across the state have been over-taxed for too long, and instead of prioritizing tax relief, Democrats are using this money to fund partisan projects. Our bill offering rebate checks would have offered much-needed relief to those hurting the most from the effects of inflation.”