Van Binsbergen: Forecast shows more work needed to steady state’s budget

ST. PAUL – State officials recently issued an updated economic forecast and state Rep. Scott Van Binsbergen, R-Montevideo, said it shows more work is needed to get a grip on spending and stabilize Minnesota’s long-term course.

Minnesota Management and Budget’s February 2026 forecast projects a $3.7 billion surplus for the 2026–27 biennium, up $1.3 billion from November. However, even with current surpluses, MMB indicates Minnesota is projected to spend more than it collects each year.

Van Binsbergen said this is due, in part, to the former Democrat trifecta spending Minnesota’s $18 billion surplus, raising taxes by $10 billion and increasing state spending by 40 percent.

“Just think where we’d be if we hadn’t passed the largest spending reduction in state history a year ago,” Van Binsbergen said. “Reckless spending and unnecessary tax increases have put our state on an unsustainable path and we need to get a handle on our finances.

“The fact we have a surplus in the current biennium is further proof Minnesotans are overtaxed and relief is in order. In fact, the nonpartisan Tax Foundation ranks Minnesota among the 10 worst states for corporate, individual, and unemployment taxes, and in the bottom half for both sales and property taxes. We must do better to make Minnesota a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family.”

This is not an official budget year at the Capitol, with the state fully funded for the current two-year cycle. Still, Van Binsbergen said the legislature also could improve the state’s bottom line by cracking down on fraud that’s been rampant in the state, costing taxpayers and estimated $9 billion.

“Minnesotans are sick and tired of being taken advantage of by fraudsters,” Van Binsbergen said. “House Republicans continue prioritizing rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in state government. We need to make people who steal from taxpayers – or are complicit in any way – are held accountable.”