Senator Jordan Rasmusson's Header Image

March 21, 2025

 

Democrat deficit grows to $6 billion

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) recently released its annual February revenue forecast, providing information and an outlook for the state’s financial picture. The latest forecast shows a smaller $456 million surplus at the end of 2026 and a larger $6 billion deficit by 2029.

 

The new budget forecast raises serious concerns for Minnesota. However, we shouldn’t be surprised by this deficit after a nearly 40% increase in state government spending under Governor Walz and Democratic legislative majorities. This session, we must prioritize a balanced budget that puts the needs of Minnesotans first. We need to focus on finding genuine savings and more efficient spending—not shifting costs onto counties, as the governor has proposed.

 

I invite you to read the full MMB November Budget and Economic Forecast.

 

Helping Minnesota families afford their first home

On Tuesday, March 11, the Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention Committee heard the “Minnesota Starter Home Act” (SF 2229), a bipartisan effort I’m championing to address our state’s rising housing costs. Right now, the median price of a new single-family home in Minnesota is over $540,000—putting homeownership out of reach for too many hardworking Minnesotans.

 

This bill focuses on increasing the supply of starter homes by cutting regulatory red tape that drives up construction costs. By empowering the free market, we can build more affordable homes and give first-time buyers a fighting chance. After receiving bipartisan support in the Housing Committee, the bill now moves to the State and Local Government Committee for further consideration.

 

I invite you to read my full release!

 

Cutting government waste and funding Minnesotans first

On Monday, March 11, I joined Senate Republican leaders in holding a press conference to highlight at least $600 million in wasteful or unnecessary spending identified in the state budget. Republican leaders emphasized that these funds could be better used to support essential services and reduce the financial burden on Minnesota families.

 

Our ‘Cut the Waste’ plan includes my legislation to ensure taxpayer dollars go to Minnesotans—not non-citizens. With Minnesota facing a $6 billion deficit, we must act now to protect taxpayers and prioritize essential services. Yet, Democrats continue to put non-citizens ahead of hardworking Minnesotans.

 

Every dollar spent on benefits for those here illegally is a dollar taken away from schools, health care, and other critical services for Minnesota families. We should not incentivize individuals who actively break our immigration laws to come to Minnesota to get taxpayer-funded benefits.

 

I invite you to listen to my comments about ensuring taxpayer dollars go to Minnesotans first.

 

Sen. Rasmusson Welcomes Norwegian Parliament Delegation

As a proud Norwegian American, I was grateful to welcome our friends from Norway and recognize the lasting bonds between our state and their nation. From our shared heritage to our military partnerships, Norway has played an important role in shaping Minnesota’s history and future.

 

I invite you to read the full story and let me know what you think!

 

Costly and Preventable $113 million mistake by DHS

I recently spoke with Lou Raguse of KARE 11 about a costly and fully preventable $113 million mistake by the Department of Human Services. Because DHS failed to file the proper waivers, Minnesota taxpayers are now unfairly stuck with a bill that federal funds should have covered.

 

I invite you to listen to the full story!

 

Constituents and the Capitol

Tuesday was the annual Disability Services Day at the Capitol! I was grateful to speak about the need for continued support for Minnesotans with disabilities and the essential services they rely on.

 

Thank you to the incredible advocates who showed up to make a meaningful difference!

 

Local News

I am thrilled to announce that Otter Tail County has received a $240,000 Child Care Economic Development Grant for a project in the City of Ottertail. Congratulations to the community leaders who worked hard to win this significant funding award!

 

I was happy to support this project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on families in our region.

 

I invite you to read the full article and let me know what you think!

 

 

Contact My Office

I want to hear from you, my constituents, on issues that are important to you! With session underway, please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have. You can contact my office at [email protected] or 651-296-4875.

 

With Gratitude,

Senator Rasmusson's Signature

Senator Jordan Rasmusson

District 9

Unsubscribe from future updates