Legislative Update
Dear Neighbor,
I’ve always believed government should serve the people, not the other way around. But as we work through the budget process at the Capitol, it’s become clear that Minnesota’s state government is expanding at an unsustainable pace, and the consequences of past overspending are catching up fast.
In this update, I want to share what’s really happening in St. Paul, how we got here, and why I’m fighting for a leaner, more responsible government that puts the taxpayer first.
Unsustainable Growth
In recent years, Minnesota’s state government has embarked on an unprecedented expansion, growing at a pace that threatens our long-term fiscal stability and burdens taxpayers. The numbers tell a stark story: over the 2023 legislative session, state government spending surged by nearly 40%, an $18 billion surplus was largely depleted, taxes were raised by approximately $10 billion, and a State Government Omnibus Bill in 2024 added roughly $410 million in new spending above the base budget. As a state legislator, I believe it’s time to reverse course, shrink the size of government (which employs nearly 60,000 employees, over 37,000 in the executive branch alone), and prioritize sustainable policies that respect Minnesotans’ hard-earned dollars. This is what I am advocating for.
A Tremendous Missed Opportunity
The $18 billion surplus was a once-in-a-generation chance to deliver meaningful tax relief and invest in infrastructure without adding to taxpayer burdens. Instead, lawmakers spent nearly the entire surplus, allocating $12.5 billion to one-time expenditures and committing the rest to ongoing programs. This surplus presented a golden opportunity to invest wisely, reduce taxes, and help build a resilient economy – to which I advocated for. Instead, the Democrat trifecta—controlling the governor’s office, House, and Senate—opted for a massive spending spree, increasing the state budget to $71 billion, a 38% jump from the $52 billion budget of 2022-23.
Paid for by the Minnesota Taxpayer
To sustain this expanded government, Governor Walz and Democrats raised taxes by approximately $10 billion over the 2023-24 period, a decision that has sparked widespread criticism from taxpayers and businesses. While supporters argue these revenues fund essential social programs, opponents, including myself, contend that they worsen Minnesota’s already heavy tax burden. Our state ranks among the top ten nationally for individual income tax rates, with a top rate of 9.85%, and leads the nation with a corporate tax rate of 9.8%. These high taxes strain job creators, small businesses, and families, driving wealth and opportunity out of Minnesota. Now, we are looking at a looming $6 billion deficit.
The 2025 State Government Omnibus Bill
Serving as vice-chair of the State Government Finance and Policy Committee has been an eye-opening experience. The committee oversees constitutional and administrative offices. I knew Minnesota’s state government was growing rapidly, but my committee work revealed the true scale of this expansion. The state government employs more than 50,000 individuals, making it quite possibly the largest employer in the state. This size is unsustainable and it’s not right. Unlike private businesses, state government generates no income, it takes it from hardworking taxpayers and mandates away prosperity. Last biennium, the State Government Omnibus bill increased spending by $410 million above the base. This year, the proposed budget bill adds another $45 million. When will this relentless spending growth end?
As a legislator, I stand firmly against the ever-growing beast of government and will fight for a leaner, more accountable state government.
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