Comparing the DFL’s Big-Spender Budget Bills

Last week’s budget announcement in the Minnesota Senate marks a pivotal point in the legislative session. We now have budget proposals from all branches of government: the Governor, House, and Senate. Legislators will now work to morph the three proposals into one.

Emboldened by their trifecta control of the legislature, Democrats are completely ignoring Minnesotans’ real concerns about the economy and public safety, and instead raising taxes and fees across the board. Let’s take a look to see how the budgets compare on the important issues.

Before jumping in, one thing must first be made clear. There is nothing good in these budget bills. All call for $10 billion in tax hikes and increased government spending despite a $19 billion surplus. This is a competition of which proposal is the worst.

Social Security

Democrats campaigned on the promise that when in office, they would eliminate the tax on social security benefits. Frankly, they are breaking that promise. House and Senate budget bills offer only a partial tax cut. The Governor’s bill offers even less of a cut. The government should not be picking winners and losers. Democrats should keep their promises.

Income Tax

House Democrats stand alone in proposing a new, fifth-tier income tax. Fortunately, the Governor and Senate were wise enough to leave this one out of their tax hike proposals. With a $19 billion surplus, this is certainly not the time to be raising taxes to California levels.

Rebate Checks

All three proposals call for rebate checks. While the money sounds nice, these one-time payments are known to contribute to inflation.

• Governor: $2,000 for couples;$1,000 for individuals

• House: $550 for couples;$275 for individuals

• Senate: $552 for couples; $279 for individuals

The House and Senate budget bills call for additional checks for dependent children. The House bill offers $275 per child for up to three children, and the Senate proposes a lowly $56 per child.

Minnesota Democrats have a record-breaking $19 billion budget surplus, and besides the tax on social security benefits, none of the budget proposals call for tax cuts. Families continue to struggle to keep up amidst rising inflation and deserve relief.

The legislature is set to adjourn on May 22, 2023. We’ll have to wait to see which bad proposals make it into the final bill. Stay tuned!

Click here to learn more about the DFL budget bills.