On Friday, March 28, Senate Democrats released their budget targets for the 2025 legislative session, which outline spending increases and cuts across various state programs. It includes reductions in health and human services, education, environment, energy, and transportation. Meanwhile, it increases funding for jobs, higher education, and public safety.
The proposal notably includes more than $533 million in cuts to health and human services over the next biennium. It also sets the stage for up to $687 million in education cuts during the 2028 – 2029 biennium.
“With our state facing a $6 billion deficit in the 2028 – 2029 biennium, we must take a serious look at government spending,” said Senator Gary Dahms (R – Redwood Falls). “However, Senate Democrats are backing Governor Walz’s plan to balance the budget at the expense of vulnerable Minnesotans. Their proposal includes massive cuts to special education and essential services for individuals with disabilities. Meanwhile, they continue to waste hundreds of millions on unnecessary programs including obsolete mass transit and benefits for non-citizens.”
In response to the looming $6 billion deficit, Senate Republicans identified at least $600 million in wasteful or unnecessary spending in the state budget. Republicans emphasized that these funds could be better used to support essential services and reduce the financial burden on Minnesota families.
“By eliminating wasteful spending, we can avoid drastic cuts to essential services while ensuring Minnesota remains financially stable,” concluded Senator Dahms.
The Minnesota Legislature is constitutionally required to adjourn by May 20, 2025, and a state budget must be passed before June 30, 2025.
Senator Dahms is in his fifth term representing Senate District 15, which includes communities in Blue Earth, Brown, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Lyon, Redwood, and Yellow Medicine counties. He also serves as the Republican Lead on the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and as a member of the Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee, as well as the Finance Committee.