Friends and Neighbors,
Minnesota Management and Budget released the November economic forecast, and the picture is deeply concerning. While the 2026 to 2027 budget cycle shows a temporary $2.465 billion surplus, spending continues to grow faster than revenues. By 2028 to 2029, the forecast projects a $5.4 billion deficit. Even if the current surplus is left untouched, the deficit still approaches $3 billion.
This budget forecast should worry every Minnesotan. Democrats took full control of state government two years ago with an $18 billion surplus. Instead of helping working families, they spent the entire thing, raised taxes by another $10 billion, increased state spending by 40 percent, and left Minnesotans with a massive budget hole. Meanwhile, the Walz administration has failed to stop the fraud that has now reached billions of our tax dollars.
I hear from people every day who are fed up. Fraud is exploding, government keeps spending, and families are struggling to keep up with high costs and higher taxes. It is simply unfair to treat taxpayers like an unlimited ATM to prop up unsustainable spending and out of control fraud.
Minnesota’s slowing economy is adding to the problem. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Business Benchmarks report released two weeks ago shows the state ranking 38th in GDP growth, 40th in labor force growth, and 41st in net domestic migration. Between 2019 and 2024, key economic indicators stalled or turned negative. These trends weaken state revenues and point to deeper issues in Minnesota’s overall economic climate.
Rising health care spending also puts pressure on the budget. This is especially troubling because fraud within state health programs has become widespread. Stronger oversight and eligibility verification are essential to ensure that limited resources go to those who truly need them.
Minnesotans deserve a government that respects their hard work, protects their tax dollars, and lives within its means. I will continue fighting for accountability, fiscal responsibility, and policies that strengthen our state instead of weakening it.
If you have any questions, please reach out any time. It is a privilege to serve you!
