Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham made the following statement on today’s state budget forecast:
“Today’s budget news puts our state in a good position for what will likely be a historic legislative session for working Minnesotans. With billions in unallocated funds, lawmakers will have more flexibility to make key investments for working people in every corner of our state to while working to close Minnesota’s persistent racial and economic disparities.
“Even with inflation factored in, something that lawmakers should include in future budget forecasts, Minnesota has the abundant resources to make the transformative changes working people have long advocated for.
“For years, the GOP Senate majority stood in the way of paid family & medical leave for every worker, investing in job creating infrastructure, fully funding our schools, healthcare, and vital public services. Now, with pro-labor majorities in both chambers, Governor Walz and lawmakers have an opportunity to make Minnesota a place where workers and families, no matter where we live or what we look like, can prosper for years to come.
“Minnesota’s union members are excited about the opportunity to partner with state leaders to build a more just and equitable state, with no exceptions.”