Thursday, we reached our budget targets that were negotiated between legislative leaders and Governor Walz. These targets represent a major step forward in the state’s budget process. While these targets form the framework of the overall deal, they primarily outline funding levels, leaving most policy decisions to be finalized in conference committees. The bulk of negotiations now shift to those committees, where the legislators will work through the details.  

Importantly, this budget deal includes the largest cut to government spending in Minnesota’s history. It eliminates nearly half of the structural deficit created by Democrats after they expanded government spending by 40% and increased taxes by $10 billion just two years ago. Republicans successfully held the line ensuring that not a single Minnesota family will face a tax increase in this budget.  

Key GOP wins include maintaining funding for non-public education options, a near-total repeal of illegal immigrant healthcare coverage, capping the payroll tax for the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, and blocking a proposed increase to the provider tax. Additionally, the budget stops the costly Northern Lights Express train project, updates the Social Services Information System (SSIS) to save counties money, and extends measures to keep health insurance premiums affordable for individuals. Simply put, Republicans are cleaning up the fiscal mess left behind by one-party DFL control and putting Minnesota back on a path of responsible governance. 

As we have only one day left in the session, we have been working over the weekend to try to wrap up by Monday. However, us House Republicans keep working hard for you so that we can complete as much business as possible before adjournment on Monday. We are certainly in a time crunch, which was not helped by the Democrat's boycott at the beginning of session, but I am optimistic that we will be able to wrap up in the next week!