Friends and neighbors,

We are now past the halfway mark of the 2025 legislative session. The first and second committee deadlines are behind us, meaning most bills needing committee approval to continue moving forward have gotten it. Major budget and tax bills, however, are exempt from these deadlines and will continue through the process. By April 11, the third and final deadline, committees must act on these remaining, critical bills.

As we move into the final stretch, we have gained insight into the budget that Senate Democrats aim to pass this year. Their recently released budget targets highlight spending increases and cuts across various state programs. Unfortunately, their priorities are completely misplaced.

With a staggering $6 billion deficit, Minnesota desperately needs fiscal responsibility. Democrats have chosen to cut more than $1.3 billion from health and human services over the next four years. Their plan also paves the way for up to $687 million in cuts to K-12 classrooms and students during the 2028-2029 budget cycle. Once again, the most vulnerable—seniors in nursing homes, group home residents, and people with disabilities—are left to bear the burden of poor financial decisions.

Their second-largest budget reduction, totaling $735 million, is in their taxes target. This means that Senate Democrats will have to decide to either raise taxes or cut crucial aid, like the Child Tax Credit. Their likely approach will involve a mix of tax hikes and aid reductions, putting additional strain on hardworking Minnesotans.

At the same time, government bureaucracy remains untouched. Over the last budget cycle, the size of our government exploded by nearly 40%. A record $19 billion surplus has vanished, yet Minnesotans are left wondering: where did it all go? State agencies are not asked to downsize by the Governor or the Senate Democrats. Instead of tightening their own budgets, state agencies continue to expand while taxpayers are expected to foot the bill. Now, there’s talk of raising taxes even more to cover this mismanagement. Minnesotans work hard for their money, and they are tired of hearing that they need to send even more to St. Paul.

Meanwhile, fraud, waste, and abuse continue unchecked. Consider Second Harvest, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding those in need. While their mission is admirable, their CEO’s salary is an astonishing $721,000. They also have 10 people who make more than the governor (that is, more than $150,000). Executive leadership from Second Harvest recently testified at the legislature, requesting taxpayer dollars! Minnesotans want to help those in need, but they also demand accountability, transparency, and consequences when funds are misused.

Senate Republicans have identified at least $600 million in wasteful spending that should be eliminated. This includes millions poured into outdated rail projects and benefits for non-citizens—dollars that should be redirected to essential services. Cutting wasteful expenditures is the responsible path forward.

In the Senate Agriculture Committee, however, we are making steady progress and will soon have a bill ready for the floor. Many other committees still have a long way to go.

As we move forward, we must take a measured, responsible approach to budgeting—one that prioritizes hardworking Minnesotans, protects the most vulnerable, and eliminates waste. The people of Minnesota deserve better than runaway spending, misplaced priorities, and endless demands for more of their money.

Sincerely,

Gene