Legislative Update from Rep. Mark Wiens

Dear Friends,

This week, I was honored to attend the memorial service for the Burnsville Policemen Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand and Firefighter-Paramedic Adam Finseth. It was touching to gather with thousands of mourners to honor these men for their sacrifice to save children from victimization and rescue each other. As we contemplate the state of our communities in Minnesota let us thank those who put their lives on the line to preserve the peace and save lives. May their sacrifice not be forgotten.

Yesterday, Minnesota Management and Budget released the February Budget and Economic Forecast which showed a $3.7 billion surplus in 2025, but a $1.5 billion deficit beginning in 2026. The deficit is forecasted as if the surplus will not be spent, meaning any new spending bills passed in 2024 will further increase the deficit. 

This projected deficit is a direct result of complete, one-party control of Minnesota state government. Last session, Democrats spent a historic $17.5 billion surplus to grow government by 40%. They failed to provide any permanent, meaningful tax relief. Campaign promises to deliver $2,000 rebates and fully eliminate the tax on social security were broken. Instead, Minnesotans got a $10 billion tax hike to pay for the Majority’s unaffordable and irresponsible policies.

We need balance in state government so we can rein in government spending and support family budgets of our retirees and working class families. I will continue fighting to defend your pocketbook this session. I will oppose additional wasteful spending so we can protect the economic outlook of our state.