Senate Republicans held a press conference yesterday to highlight at least $600 million in wasteful or unnecessary spending identified in the state budget. Republican leaders emphasized that these funds could be better used to support essential services and reduce the financial burden on Minnesota families.

“Our government should be transparent, accountable, and efficient,” said Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake). “These bills put Minnesotans first by ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, conflicts of interest are eliminated, and wasteful spending is stopped. Minnesotans deserve a government that works for them—not for special interests or personal gain.”

Republicans pointed to several key areas where spending reductions could immediately save taxpayers money, starting with transportation projects, particularly commuter and light rail expansions, which could cut nearly $250 million in unnecessary expenses.

They also focused on expensive benefits that provide non-citizens here illegally with free health care, college, and even some tax credits, to the tune of up to $378 million, as well as $21 million set aside to pay for a public health care option that has yet to be passed into law.

Beyond cutting wasteful spending, Senate Republicans introduced a series of good government proposals aimed at preventing future budget mismanagement and strengthening accountability in state spending.

“Democrats have spent our state into a $6 billion budget deficit. Minnesota has a spending problem, and these cuts are common-sense solutions that put Minnesotans first. Good government means spending taxpayer dollars responsibly and preventing conflicts of interest that benefit legislators or nonprofits with bloated payrolls. It’s time to restore accountability and fiscal responsibility to our state’s budget.”