To the Editor,

On Thursday, March 6, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released its annual February revenue forecast, providing information and an outlook for the state’s financial picture. The latest forecast shows a smaller $456 million surplus at the end of 2026 and a larger $6 billion deficit by 2029.

“The new budget forecast raises serious concerns for Minnesota,” Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) said. “Our projected deficit has ballooned to $6 billion, while the current surplus has shrunk to just $456 million. We shouldn’t be surprised by this deficit after a nearly 40% increase in state government spending under Governor Walz and Democratic legislative majorities. This session, we must prioritize a balanced budget that puts the needs of Minnesotans first. We need to focus on finding genuine savings and more efficient spending—not shifting costs onto counties, as the governor has proposed.”

The February forecast will serve as a guide for the Minnesota Legislature in creating the upcoming two-year budget before the constitutionally mandated session deadline on May 19, 2025. 

Senator Jordan 

Rasmusson,

Fergus Falls