Dear Friends,

This week marked the beginning of Hanukkah. The holiday is more poignant than ever.?As we kindle the Hanukkah lights, let us embrace the timeless values of hope, resilience, and unity.?

May this Festival of Lights illuminate our path toward understanding, peace, and mutual respect. Let's celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, and the spirit of perseverance that inspires us all.?

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous Hanukkah filled with warmth, love, and the blessings of togetherness.

Budget Forecast Projects Looming Deficit

This week, the Minnesota Department of Revenue released a new state budget forecast?which showed a $2.4 billion surplus heading into next session, but a looming $2.3 billion deficit beginning in 2025. Minnesota?s new precarious economic position is no surprise. Last session Democrats spent a historic budget surplus of $17.5 billion. Instead of returning that surplus to you in the form of permanent, meaningful tax relief, they instead raised taxes by $10 billion to grow government by 40%.

Minnesotans are spending more and more every day for basics, like gas, groceries, and energy bills. A recent CBS report?showed that families in our state are forced to spend nearly $13,000 more a year just to maintain their standard of living.

This is unsustainable. When family budgets are stretched thin, sacrifices are made. Government must do the same. We cannot spend our way into a deficit. We must show Minnesotans that government can be a responsible steward of their tax dollars.

Next session, we must prioritize making life more affordable for our seniors and working families.?I am resolved to pursue policies that reflect those goals so we can protect Minnesotans? pocketbooks. ??