ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Republican leaders in the Minnesota Legislature say the $1.2 billion budget surplus is no cause for celebration because it shows state government overtaxes its citizens.
Republicans unveiled their response Friday to news of the enhanced surplus: “Give it back.” They say they want to gather opinions from Minnesotans about the best way to rebate the surplus.
The Legislature’s Democratic majority is likely to pass a mix of tax cuts, spending and deposits into a rainy-day fund. But Republican leaders say it should all go back to taxpayers.
However, Senate Republican Leader David Hann says the GOP is likely to support one spending proposal. That’s the bipartisan plan to provide about $85 million in additional state funds to help boost pay for long-term care workers.
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