We applaud Governor Dayton’s decision to veto HF 130, the legislature’s “phase one” budget proposal. The bill represented the first step in what is expected to be an all-cuts approach to solving the deficit. As we’ve pointed out as the bill has moved through the legislature, we had concerns with this approach to solving the state’s fiscal problems, including:
- Cuts that would have negatively impacted the state’s most vulnerable citizens, such as reductions to child protection services and emergency assistance for the lowest income Minnesotans.
- Cuts to the Renters’ Credit for low- and moderate-income families that would have made the state’s tax system more regressive.
The Governor echoed some of these concerns in his veto letter.
The work on solving the state’s budget deficit is just beginning. On February 15, the Governor will release a budget proposal that must offer a comprehensive vision for solving the whole $6.2 billion deficit (don’t forget to sign up to attend our briefing on his budget proposal on February 18). By the end of this month, Minnesota Management and Budget will release the February forecast, which will provide policymakers with an updated picture of the state’s budget deficit.
The decisions the legislature and Governor make this session will have a profound impact on Minnesotans now and in the future. Once a comprehensive plan is on the table as a starting point, and the final budget deficit numbers are known, it is time for policymakers and the public to engage in an informed debate about the best way to address the state’s revenue shortfall.
-Christina Wessel
