By Rep. Jimmy Gordon
After a delayed start to the legislative session, we are settling into the midst of the grind. Before getting into that I want to mention the unexpected passing of my friend and mentor Mike Betker.
Mike worked as the Finance Director at the City of Isanti since 2017. As a new council member in 2019, I had a lot of questions and Mike was always willing to sit down to talk about numbers or anything else I had on my mind. He always said he would be glad to do that for any resident of the city, and he meant it! He was a good man, a patient teacher, and he was excellent at his job.
Since 2017, the tax rate in the city has dropped 47.85 percent. That kind of change takes political will, sure, but it also takes someone with the knowledge and skill behind the scenes to get it done and Mike deserves all the credit. He will be missed dearly by his wife and two young sons, extended family and his coworkers. If you could keep them in your prayers, it would be appreciated.
Projected state shortfall growing
State officials recently issued an updated economic forecast, which provides the figures we will use to set a new two-year state budget this session. It shows our state’s bottom line is suffering the consequences of reckless spending and unnecessary tax increases. Top-line figures include:
- $456 million projected balance for 2026-27, down $160 million from previous estimates.
- $6 billion general fund shortfall for 2028-29, $852 million worse than November estimates.
- State spending growth outpaces revenue growth through projections for 2029.
It is no surprise that state spending is outpacing state revenue. With full control of the Capitol, Democrats spent the $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion, and increased state spending by 40 percent with the budget they passed in 2023.
Some people who made those reckless budget decisions are now trying to shift blame to a new presidential administration that has only been in office for only a couple of months. Our state’s bottom line was crumbling well before Donald Trump took over, with November’s forecast calling for a $5.1 billion shortfall.
We should not resort to tax hikes to fix the shortfall, especially since taxes already were raised on Minnesota families and businesses by over $10 billion in the past two years. House Republicans are working toward a responsible, balanced budget. I urge Democrats to support savings and spending cuts – not tax increases – to get our state finances back in order for the long haul.
The latest forecast figures pose a significant challenge as we work to put a new budget in place before adjourning in late May. Tough decisions will be necessary, making it even more important to focus on eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in Minnesota. Every dollar we protect brings us closer to balancing the budget and is a step toward better government.
Preserving girls sports
House Republicans recently brought to the floor the Preserving Girls’ Sports Act to ensure safe and fair girls sports. Polls show around 80 percent of people support the bill’s position that biological males should not be playing in girls sports. This issue goes beyond just competition – it involves physical safety, fair play, traumatic locker room situations, and undermining progress made under Title IX.
It is disappointing House Democrats blocked this bill (H.F. 12) from passing. Fortunately, House Republicans tabled the bill after Democrats voted against it, keeping it alive for future reconsideration.
Please stay in touch. I welcome your input at rep.jimmy.gordon@house.mn.gov.
-30-