Senate Republicans today attempted to bring forward legislation that would swiftly give half the 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. Earlier today, it was also announced that Minnesota had a $17.5 billion surplus – the same surplus would have been reported as $19 billion if not for a law passed by Democrats and signed by the Governor last week that uses inflation indicators to under-report the figure.

“All things equal, Minnesota’s surplus has grown to $19 Billion – and there’s still no urgency to return any of it to the hardworking Minnesotans who have been significantly overtaxed. We should have done this on day one. Let’s return some of their hard-earned income and then decide where we can make meaningful investments on behalf of those in need,” said Senator Zach Duckworth (R-Lakeville).  “Both parties made promises to voters last election and Republicans will continue working to deliver on those promises.”