St. Paul Reporter

Minnesota State Representative Ben Davis has raised concerns about the pace and size of state government growth in recent legislative sessions. In a recent update, Davis described what he views as unsustainable expansion, citing increased spending, depleted surpluses, and higher taxes.

According to Davis, “over the 2023 legislative session, state government spending surged by nearly 40%, an $18 billion surplus was largely depleted, taxes were raised by approximately $10 billion, and a State Government Omnibus Bill in 2024 added roughly $410 million in new spending above the base budget.” He emphasized his commitment to advocating for a smaller government that prioritizes sustainable fiscal policies.

Davis pointed out that the state’s $18 billion surplus presented an opportunity for tax relief and infrastructure investment. Instead, he said lawmakers spent almost all of it on one-time expenditures and ongoing programs. “This surplus presented a golden opportunity to invest wisely, reduce taxes, and help build a resilient economy – to which I advocated for. Instead, the Democrat trifecta—controlling the governor’s office, House, and Senate—opted for a massive spending spree, increasing the state budget to $71 billion, a 38% jump from the $52 billion budget of 2022-23,” Davis said.

To support this expanded budget, taxes were raised by about $10 billion during 2023-24. Davis noted that Minnesota now ranks among the highest in the country for individual income tax rates at 9.85% and leads nationally with a corporate tax rate of 9.8%. He argued these high taxes negatively impact job creators and families while contributing to a projected $6 billion deficit.

Serving as vice-chair of the State Government Finance and Policy Committee has given Davis insight into government operations. “The committee oversees constitutional and administrative offices. I knew Minnesota’s state government was growing rapidly, but my committee work revealed the true scale of this expansion,” he stated.

Davis reported that state government employs more than 50,000 people—over 37,000 in the executive branch—which may make it one of Minnesota’s largest employers. He expressed concern about sustainability: “This size is unsustainable and it’s not right. Unlike private businesses, state government generates no income, it takes it from hardworking taxpayers and mandates away prosperity.”

He also noted additional increases: “Last biennium, the State Government Omnibus bill increased spending by $410 million above the base. This year, the proposed budget bill adds another $45 million.”

Concluding his update to constituents, Davis affirmed his position: “As a legislator, I stand firmly against the ever-growing beast of government and will fight for a leaner, more accountable state government.”