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Senate Report by Gene Dornink

Friends and neighbors,

In my recent legislative updates, I’ve emphasized that our top priority this session is passing a balanced budget. Central to this process is the state’s fiscal forecast, and this week, the latest report was released.

The February revenue forecast projects a smaller surplus of $456 million by the end of 2026. However, by 2029, Minnesota is facing a larger $6 billion deficit. This projection does not account for additional spending, so any new expenditures in this session will only make the situation worse.

To balance the budget, we must rein in excessive government spending. But before we discuss potential solutions, it’s important to understand how we got here. Let’s examine the facts, and you can decide how to grade Gov. Walz’s leadership and the Democrats who have controlled the Legislature for the past two years.

Under complete one-party control, Democrats spent the entire $19 billion surplus and expanded government by nearly 40% in just two sessions. This reckless spending spree, coupled with their $10 billion in tax and fee hikes, has driven up costs for Minnesota families. Now, our state faces some of the highest individual taxes in the country, with Minnesota ranking 46th in overall state and local tax burden.

Spending every dollar without planning for the future is irresponsible — something we would never do with our personal finances. While Minnesota families, farmers and businesses are tightening their belts and managing their budgets, Democrats continue to push an expensive agenda without prioritizing the taxpayers who fund it.

In the coming months, the Minnesota Legislature will face the difficult task of balancing the budget. My Republican colleagues and I oppose any new tax increases. Instead, we must seek cost savings while preserving essential services like health care, education, public safety and infrastructure.

One of the biggest opportunities for savings is cutting government inefficiencies. Under Gov. Walz’s administration, Minnesota has already wasted over $500 million due to fraud, abuse and mismanagement. Senate Republicans are committed to stronger oversight of state agencies to ensure tax dollars are spent responsibly and effectively.

We should also review state funding for non-citizens. Over the past two legislative sessions, Democrats have prioritized funding for non-citizens — directing millions of taxpayer dollars toward health care, tax credits and tuition assistance for non-citizens. With a looming deficit, I believe these funds should be directed toward Minnesotans in need.

Furthermore, we must closely evaluate failing government programs. A recent report on the Northstar commuter train revealed that in 2023, ticket sales covered less than 3% of operating costs, forcing taxpayers to subsidize over $11 million for a service used by so few.

These are just a few areas where we can cut government spending, and Senate Republicans are actively working to identify more.

Gov. Walz and the Democrats can’t avoid responsibility. They’ve controlled state spending for the past two years. Minnesota families make tough financial choices every day — it’s time for state government to do the same. Republicans are committed to a responsible budget that prioritizes essential services, eliminates wasteful spending and protects taxpayers.

It’s time for accountability, responsible budgeting and a government that puts Minnesotans first.

Preserving girls’ sports

On Feb. 5, President Donald Trump signed the executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” This week, Minnesotans rallied at the Capitol to advocate for girls’ sports. I was honored to stand alongside Riley Gaines in this important effort to protect fairness in women’s sports.

Senate Republicans also took a clear stand to protect girls’ sports. In a floor motion, we voted to bring up a bill ensuring that only biological female student-athletes compete in girls’ sports at the elementary and secondary levels in Minnesota. The motion failed on a party-line vote, 33 to 34.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association recently changed its policy to protect women athletes, while the Minnesota State High School League has not.

Gene Dornink, R-Brownsdale, is the District 23 senator.