Governor Releases Budget Proposal, Faces Stern Opposition

Governor Tim Walz released his budget proposal Tuesday, February 19, and called for additional funding in education, health care and infrastructure improvements. "As I traveled mile after mile and enjoyed countless conversations across the state, it became clear to me that there are three prioritie the people

Governor Walz's plan would increase K-12 education spending by $733 million dollars and increase higher education spending by $158 million dollars, including an additional $62 million dollars for student grants. The governor would also direct $284 million additional dollars for health and human services and $233 million dollars more for public safety and the judiciary, including corrections.

In the area of transportation, the governor calls for a 20 cents-per-gallon gas tax increase to raise about $6.5 billion dollars over ten years. In health care, the governor proposes a 20 percent health insurance premium subsidy for Minnesotans receiving their insurance through MNsure. For Minnesotans who secure their health insurance on the individual market, the governor proposes a tax credit to limit the percentage of income spent on health insurance.

According to Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, the governor increases spending by about $4 billion dollars and raises taxes by $3 billion dollars, incudling a $1.3 billion dollar gas tax hike. "With this budget, we may as well call Minnesota a cold California," Gazelka said.