On Tuesday Governor Tim Walz released his proposal for the upcoming two-year state budget. The $52.4 billion budget proposal would be the largest budget in state history, and it will increase taxes by $1.66 billion. Governor Walz’s plan also proposes a new fifth tier income tax rate at 10.85%. This would give Minnesota the third highest tax rate in the country. Another notable item included in the budget is $150 million in appropriation bonds for the Minneapolis riots. It is also estimated that Minnesota will face a predicted $1.3 billion budget deficit in the next two years. Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) issued the following statement in response: 

“We need to focus on lowering taxes, reopening our businesses, and helping Minnesotans recover,” said Senator Lang. “We can’t accomplish this by spending more than what we have.”

“Governor Walz not only wants to raise taxes on Minnesotans by an excessive amount, but he also wants Greater Minnesota to pay for a $150 million bailout for Minneapolis by taking out a loan. Why should the people of Greater Minnesota have to pay for this, while already being taxed more?”