by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
State Rep. Tim O’Driscoll (R-Sartell) said he would like the state’s surplus to be used for tax relief for families and seniors, as well as for helping fund roads and bridges.
Originally, the budget surplus was forecast to be $1.2 billion for fiscal years 2016-17. That was recently revised downward to $900 million, likely caused by slower consumer spending, according to the Office of Minnesota Management and Budget.
However, O’Driscoll said the revised surplus is still ample enough to provide for tax relief and road/bridge infrastructure.
“As you know, roads and bridges remain a priority to me,” O’Driscoll said, “and the surplus allows us to move in the right direction toward more complete funding. Minnesota needs an efficient and well-maintained road-and-bridge system to ensure public safety and the timely movement of products and materials, which keeps our state economy growing.
O’Driscoll said he would like to help ensure tax relief goes especially to senior citizens, recent college graduates, military veterans and small-business owners.
“In order to help our economy, we have to allow hardworking Minnesotans to keep more of their paychecks each month,” O’Driscoll stated in his legislative update message to constituents.
