Gov. Walz: Part Of $17.6B Surplus Should Go Directly Back To Families

ST. PAUL, MN — Gov. Tim Walz is again calling for direct checks to be sent to Minnesotan families using the state's surplus.

Walz's renewed call came after the Management and Budget office announced the latest budget projections Tuesday. Minnesota's general fund budget is now projected to have a surplus of $17.6 billion.

"The case for sending money back to Minnesotans to help with rising costs has never been stronger," Walz said in a statement.

"Together, we have a golden opportunity to do that while also investing in our workforce, our schools, and our kids – all while lowering costs for our middle-class families, small businesses, and seniors."

The budget office credited the state's ballooning surplus to the leftover surplus from the last legislative session and healthy net revenues.

In February, Minnesota was projected to have a surplus of $9.25 billion.

Minnesota Democrats will have control over how the surplus is used next year after winning the state government trifecta on Election Day.

Meanwhile, state Republicans are calling for tax cuts following the latest surplus projection.

"This latest budget news makes perfectly clear that Democrat tax hikes should be off the table," Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman David Hann said.

"Study after study and surplus after surplus shows that Minnesotans are overtaxed. As the Democrats’ tax-and-spend policies continue to drive up inflation, and Minnesotans struggle to make ends meet, I applaud our State House and Senate Republican lawmakers for continuing to call for real, meaningful tax relief that will put more money in the pockets of Minnesota’s families and businesses."

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