Minnesota AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Steve Hunter issued the following statement on today’s state budget surplus forecast of $1.9 billion:
“Nearly two years ago, Governor Mark Dayton and DFL legislators passed a budget that erased a long-term deficit while investing in jobs and education by asking the richest Minnesotans to pay their fair share in taxes.
Today, Minnesota’s state budget has a nearly $2 billion surplus and our economy is leading the nation. This is more proof that the progressive policies put in place in 2013 and 2014 continue to make Minnesota a better place to live and work.
That being said, there is still much that can and should be done to improve the lives of all Minnesotans. Wages didn’t grow as fast as overall economic growth and our transportation infrastructure is terribly underfunded.
Governor Dayton and legislators have an opportunity to pass a budget this year that builds on our successes and continues to invest in the future. They can ensure that we continue to take care of the most vulnerable Minnesotans. They can create jobs and grow our economy by passing a long-term, comprehensive transportation bill and empower all working people by passing the Working Parents Act.”