ST. PAUL, MN – Rep. Jeremy Munson issued a statement after the Governor released an update from the office of Management and Budget.
"Today's budget forecast showing a $3.6 billion drop in revenues compared to the February forecast is not a surprise given the draconian executive orders which denied nearly a million Minnesotans the freedom to work and earn a living.
When you prevent people from earning, you lose income, payroll, and sales taxes.
The loss of tax revenue has not stopped the State government from spending like crazy. Yesterday, I voted to table a large spending bill to wait on today's budget forecast and this was rejected by the House majority.
As Minnesota families are reviewing their discretionary spending, so too should the legislature. It's also time we revisit policy changes for those most impacted by the Governor's orders, such as eliminating the board of cosmetology which over-regulates our hair salon workers, or eliminating income tax on tips for our wait staff at bars and restaurants. This week I am introducing the 'Food Freedom Act' which will eliminate the cap on Minnesota's cottage foods businesses and allow our hard hit farmers to sell direct to the public."
Rep. Munson did express that he was grateful that the Governor has relaxed the prohibition on elective surgery saying that it was "I'm happy doctors can practice without government rationing care. This is a step in the right direction."
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