ST. PAUL, MN –  Senate Republicans responded to Walz’s $5.1 billion surplus spending spree today, issuing the following statements: 

Senator Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes): Last year Senate Republicans passed record funding for schools; a 2.5% increase this year, a 2% increase next year, and Minnesota schools received $3 billion from Congress. We also stopped additional mandates and worked to keep kids in classrooms. Throwing more money into schools without addressing literacy and allowing kids and educators to catch up is the wrong direction. We’ll focus on kids’ reading skills and prepare them for graduation through proven, successful programs and get them on the right track.

Senator Julia Coleman (R-Chanhassen): We’ve heard the calls from parents and working Minnesotans to have a flexible, free-market solution to help them care for their families and we will work on solutions to meet their needs. A bureaucratic, government-run, one-size-fits-all program that taxes main street businesses and their employees is not the answer to meet the individual needs of parents and caregivers.