Gov. Walz pushing for direct checks to Minnesotans

Governor Tim Walz and DFL House Speaker Melissa Hortman continue their push on how to partially spend Minnesota’s historic budget surplus: direct checks to residents.

The proposal would return half the remaining surplus back in the form of direct payments, while legislators continue working on shared funding priorities. That includes education, public safety, child care, and nursing homes.

More than 2.7 million Minnesota households would receive a check under this proposal.

"This is the right thing to do for Minnesotans as we see household costs rise," said Governor Walz in a press release. "Minnesota has a strong economy and historic surplus, and this is one big way we can help Minnesotans at the pump, grocery store, and with rent. Senate Republicans should not sit on billions of dollars while Minnesotans struggle to afford the things they need."

"Minnesota families are in need of financial assistance. I stand with Governor Walz in his efforts to get checks to Minnesotans. Last week, Senate Republicans walked away from negotiations, and while that was disappointing and frustrating, it does not change the fact that Minnesotans are hurting, and we need to take action to help them," said Speaker Hortman. "It’s in the best interests of Minnesotans — for families, students, public safety, long-term care, child care, and our shared infrastructure – for the legislature to finish these budget agreements. The Governor and House DFLers are still here, ready to work and find compromises. We need Minnesota Republicans to leave election-year politics to the side, come back to the table, and join us in getting this work done so we can help Minnesotans."

Single tax filers earning up to $164,000 would receive a payment of $1,000. A married couple filling jointly earning up to $273,470 would receive a payment of $2,000.

This plan expands on a previous proposal of direct payments included in Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s supplemental budget in January.