Rep. Jeff Backer Statement on February Budget Forecast

Saint Paul – State Representative Jeff Backer, R-Browns Valley, released the following statement on the February budget forecast.

“Friday’s forecast gives us a real opportunity to reset our priorities. Revenue is coming in higher than expected, which tells me Minnesotans are paying more than enough. Instead of tax hikes or new spending, we should pass a tax conformity bill that delivers commonsense relief like no tax on tips and no tax on overtime.

At the same time, the structural imbalance in our budget is still there, and if we don’t conform to HR1, that projected surplus could disappear quickly, putting even more pressure on our budget. We can’t afford to ignore that reality.

The good news is that basic fraud prevention measures are already bringing down Health and Human Services costs, proving that stronger oversight works. Federal conformity, lower costs, and stopping fraud should be our focus so we can protect taxpayers, preserve our surplus, and ensure these programs serve the people they’re meant to help not fraudsters.”