Weber issues statement on 'out of control' state budget

Minnesota's November budget forecast presented last week revealed a sustained deficit due to runaway spending, unchecked fraud, and slow economic growth, made worse by billions in new taxes on state residents, a press release from District 21 Sen. Bill Weber, a Luverne Republican, stated.

Said Weber: “The state’s budget is out of control, and Minnesota families should not be forced to pay for Governor Walz and Democrats’ mismanagement. Though the numbers show a temporary surplus, it exists only because of the $10 billion in tax hikes placed on every Minnesotan. Fraud totaling over $1 billion continues to grow, making the budget picture even worse. We must take action to restore fiscal responsibility and protect Minnesotans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars.”

The state’s spending is projected to outpace revenue, even with $10 billion in new taxes, the release states. For fiscal year 2026–2027, Minnesota Management and Budget projects a $2.465 billion surplus. Looking ahead to 2028–2029, the deficit could rise to $2.960 billion if the current surplus remains unspent. If it is fully utilized, the deficit could balloon to $5.4 billion.

MMB notes that “slow economic growth” is a major factor in revenue losses. According to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Business Benchmarks Report, “Minnesota’s economy is no longer keeping pace with the nation.”