Budget Forecast Shows Looming Deficit + More!

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December 8, 2023

Executive Summary

• Budget Forecast Shows Looming Deficit

• Rebate Checks Being Taxed by IRS

• Hennepin Co. Attorney Refuses to Prosecute Felon Who Assaulted Maple Grove PD Officer

Budget Forecast Shows Looming Deficit

This week, the Minnesota Department of Management & Budget (MMB) released a new state budget forecast which showed a $2.4 billion surplus heading into next session, but a looming $2.3 billion deficit beginning in 2025.

As we warned, Democrats’ reckless spending spree last session is not sustainable and has set us up for future deficits. The Democrat Majority spent the entire $17.5 billion surplus and raised taxes an additional $10 billion, increasing the state budget by nearly 40% in two years. Despite these historic tax increases, MMB is now forecasting that spending will exceed revenues, as projected program costs increases and projected tax receipts decline.

Minnesotans are paying $12,978 more every year to maintain the same standard of living they had in January, 2021. They cannot afford more taxes to pay for an ever-expanding state government. It’s time we show some fiscal responsibility, rein in spending and ensure Minnesotans are not saddled with large deficits in the future.

I took part in the House and Senate GOP's response to the budget forecast and you can watch my comments here. 

Rebate Checks Being Taxed by IRS

It was also announced this week that the IRS is planning to tax the rebate checks that were passed last session. As a reminder, Democrats campaigned on giving Minnesotans $2,000 rebates, but after they spent a $17.5 billion surplus, they could only afford $260 checks to hardworking Minnesotans. Republicans urged the Majority to pass these rebates early in session to meet a federal deadline that would avoid taxation of these checks, but Democrats instead waited until it was too late. 

Your rebate will only be taxable on your federal return. It still will not be taxed on your Minnesota return. The Minnesota Department of Revenue will send Form 1099-MISC to all rebate recipients to use when filing U.S. individual income tax returns for 2023. You can learn more about this change and the rebates here. 

Hennepin Co. Attorney Refuses to Prosecute Felon Who Assaulted Maple Grove PD Officer

It is very concerning that Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and her office are declining to prosecute a repeat felon who committed a horrific assault on one of our Maple Grove law enforcement officers. While I am thankful Officer Brandon Gross has been cleared to return to work, he continues to suffer from pain in his shoulder after being dragged 40 yards by a criminal who used his vehicle as a weapon. Refusing to prosecute a case against a repeat felon who assaults an officer shows that the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is more concerned about criminals than the victims of violence. 

I am sorry that this failure to uphold the law also fails to support the brave men and women who put themselves in harms’ way every day to keep our communities safe.

Last session, House Republicans were able to get an amendment passed on the floor by voice vote that would have made it a felony to assault a peace officer. Unfortunately, this language was removed by the all-DFL Conference Committee and was not in the final version of the public safety bill.

I will continue to support efforts to increase penalties for assaulting police officers. Officers put their lives on the line for our communities every day and they need to know that criminals who assault them will face consequences.

Photos

I took part in a press conference as part of the House and Senate GOP’s response to the new budget forecast which is projecting a deficit in 2025. Minnesotans are tired of being overtaxed, and they are tired of the out of control spending in their state government.

Had a busy day in the district with a wonderful Job Shadow student! Jordyn & I had meetings at Daily Dose Cafe and Espresso & dropped off a toy and coats at Maple Grove Police Department for CROSS Services & Justin Morneau Winter Warm Up Coat Drive! Enjoyed great conversations with Jordyn about careers and serving our communities!

Santa made the rounds in Independence and Maple Plain this week! The Grinch may have even been out causing trouble! So glad West Hennepin Public Safety is on the case! 🎉🎅🎄

Please Contact Me

Many of you have already been in touch to discuss your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. Thank you for sharing your ideas! Please continue to contact me to discuss any matters to which I can be of assistance.

The best way to reach me while we are out of session is by email: rep.kristin.robbins@house.mn.gov. For occasional updates, you can follow my Facebook Page at @RepKristinRobbins. You can also leave a voicemail on my office number, 651-296-7806, which is checked multiple times/week.

Have a great weekend!

Kristin

239 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.7806