Minnesota projects $1.5 billion surplus

The state’s economic forecast puts Tim Walz, a Democrat, in a strong position to start working on some of his campaign vows.

Minnesota’s strong economy and an anticipated savings in health care costs are expected to leave the state with a $1.5 billion budget surplus for the next two years, a dramatic increase from a projection earlier this year.

The nation is in the second-longest period of sustained growth in history, behind a stretch in the 1990s, and it’s left the state with a string of back-to-back budget surpluses.

Budget numbers released Thursday “show a remarkable recovery from the financial shambles in which I took office eight years ago,” said outgoing Gov. Mark Dayton, who came into office facing a $6.2 billion deficit, drained reserves and late payments to public schools. Incoming Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, will take over in January in a strong position to start working on some of his campaign vows, including boosting educational spending, expanding publicly funded health care and new money for transportation. Republican leaders, meanwhile, are already pushing for tax cuts.

View the complete December 6 article by Jessie Van Berkel on The Star Tribune website here.

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: December 7, 2018

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday’s news of a positive budget balance gives us the opportunity to help Minnesotans build a more prosperous future for themselves. I have heard continuously from our Bloomington neighbors they want policymakers to address the economic challenges they face: health care costs, tuition, saving for retirements, and child care expenses. I am ready to join with Governor-elect Walz to tackle these challenges. MPR provided a good overview – you can read it here.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Andrew Carlson
State Representative