Dear Friends,

I had a great meeting this week with Washington County leaders as our Five-City Alliance along the St Croix River discussed preparation for potential flooding. Pictured right is Emergency Director Berglund going over preparedness plans with Commissioner Kriesel, Mayors Roettger and Palmquist, plus council members and staff of the Alliance. Great to see everyone pulling together with positive communications!

Has your family budget increased by 30% in the last two years? This week, the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate Majority Leader announced their budget targets which will grow the state?s budget by 30% over the next two years.

Why are we trying to grow government when family budgets are being stretched thin by inflation and economic uncertainty? Some of the key spending increases include $2.2 billion for Education, $1 billion for Housing, and $3 billion for Taxes, Aids, and Credits. This does not mean $3 billion in tax cuts. The Taxes Committee could use these funds as ?spending? on refundable tax credits. Fully exempting the social security tax or providing permanent tax relief for all Minnesotans is not guaranteed.

If we don?t rein in state spending, we will face a budget deficit in the future. Click my photo below to learn more about these spending proposals.