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Greetings,
On Thursday, our state economists unveiled our latest state budget forecast. The numbers are not promising.
SIGNIFICANT BUDGET DEFICIT NOW PROJECTED
Minnesota now has a $456 million budget surplus for the upcoming budget cycle. In December, a $616 million surplus was projected. In December, a $5.1 billion deficit had been projected for the 2028-29 budget cycle. Now that number stands at $6 billion.
I’m hopeful our new fraud committee can identify revenue sources that can be repurposed to help reduce this deficit. It’s clear lawmakers also need to right-size our state’s budget with available state revenues. I do not support tax increases as a way to help balance the budget.
PRESERVING GIRLS’ SPORTS ACT DEBATED ON HOUSE FLOOR
Representative Peggy Scott of Andover brought her Preserving Girls’ Sports Act legislation to the House floor this week. The bill provides guardrails around girls sports to prevent injuries and maintain competitive fairness in girls’ athletics by disqualifying transgender girls from playing in girls’ sports.
Worth noting: this bill would not impact other academic activities such as debate, Knowledge Bowl, or theater where there is no risk of injury.
The bill failed by one vote but could be considered again later this year.
PENSION COMMITTEE BEGINS ITS WORK
The pension commission is the only body that is focused on pensions and other retirement-related topics. As you know, I serve on this commission and have helped construct pension legislation in the past that has improved and stabilized our state system. Soon we will hold our first meeting of the session, and I expect we will be briefed on how things look in the State of Minnesota and determine a direction that will keep our pensions strong in the years and decades ahead.
SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT OFFICIALS IN TOWN
It was good to meet with members of the Benton and Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation Districts in St. Paul this week. Resources they utilize protect our groundwater and prevent contaminants from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams. Thanks to those who participate in these commissions, as there are few things more important than clean drinking water.
LOCAL VISITORS
This week I was able to meet with the members of the following organizations:
- Minnesota Beverage Association
- Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
- UCare
Thanks to all who stopped by!
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected] or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Have a good weekend,
Tim
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