Senate Republicans held a press conference this week 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.

“Minnesota has a spending problem. For too long, taxpayer dollars have been wasted on programs that don’t put Minnesotans first,” said Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch). “Governor Walz and the Democrats created this budget mess, and now they’re trying to fix it at the expense of seniors and our schools. Our solutions are common sense—they will cut waste, restore accountability, and ensure government works for the people of Minnesota.”

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.

 “Our state government has become bloated, with a general fund expenditure of nearly $131 billion, while taxpayer dollars are being wasted on Democrat pet projects and benefits for non-citizens. It’s our responsibility to cut waste, root out fraud and abuse, and ensure that Minnesotans’ hard-earned money is spent wisely,” said Sen. Koran.