Friends and neighbors, 

Minnesota’s Budget Surplus Tops $17.6 Billion

This week, the office of Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released its November revenue forecast. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the state’s outlook for the next budget cycle. The latest forecast projects a record-setting surplus of $17.6 billion, which is up from the February forecast’s expectation of a $9.25 billion surplus. The MMB commissioner noted that around $12 billion of the projected surplus is one-time money, with only $6 billion anticipated to reoccur each biennium.

The even greater surplus proves that our state has more than enough resources to fund our needs. Yet, while state government budgets are thriving, Minnesotans are facing an uncertain financial future caused by persistent inflation and a looming recession. That is why it is so essential to give the money back to Minnesota workers and families in the form of real, enduring tax relief. And during the 2022 legislative session, my Senate Republican colleagues and I fought hard for just that. 

We proposed our state’s biggest tax cut ever, which included the full elimination of the Social Security income tax. Governor Walz and Democrats, however, refused to return taxpayers’ hard-earned money. This is unacceptable. When the Minnesota Legislature returns to the Capitol next year, I remain committed to fighting for families in our community and across Minnesota.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, our Nation commemorated the tragic attack on Pearl Harbor. On that morning 81 years ago, more than 350 Japanese planes roared toward Hawaii to launch a devastating surprise attack that killed more than 2,400 Americans. 

In the wake of the unprovoked strike, President Franklin Roosevelt famously called the attack on Pearl Harbor a “date which will live in infamy.” And to this day, Roosevelt’s words still hold true, as we have never forgotten this most significant day in American history.

The attacks on Pearl Harbor were truly devastating, but we came together as a nation and our patriotic spirit was rekindled. I thank God every day for the American heroes who have stepped up and answered the call to serve. Thank you for your unwavering courage.

I want to hear from you, my constituents, about issues that are meaningful to you. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have. With session set to begin in early January, I will keep your thoughts and concerns in mind as legislation comes before me. You can contact my office at sen.bruce.anderson@senate.mn or 651-296-5981.

Sincerely,

Bruce Anderson