As Minnesota Gets Back to Work, Long Term Budget Trouble Remains

Republicans Chose Millionaires Over Minnesota’s Future

As the special session ending Minnesota’s 19-day government shutdown came to a close, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement:

“While this 2-year budget avoids the GOP’s draconian cuts to education, health care, and jobs, it’s disappointing that Republican legislators would only agree to one-time revenue that borrows against our future and writes school children yet another IOU.

“GOP legislators’ continued insistence on protecting millionaires not only shutdown state government, but also means Minnesota’s revenue shortfall will continue into the next biennium.

“We thank Governor Dayton for successfully stopping GOP plans to erode critical public services, take away Minnesotans’ workplace rights, and put tens of thousands in the private and public sector out of a job.

“We also commend the Governor for not only saving jobs, but putting more Minnesotans back to work with his jobs and infrastructure bill.

“Ultimately, the only way we will truly solve Minnesota’s revenue shortfall and build a better state is for the richest to finally pay their fair share in taxes.”