Minnesota Senate Republicans unveil 'Minnesota First' agenda, promise no tax increases

Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson and members of the Senate Republican caucus held a news conference at the Minnesota State Capitol to introduce the "Minnesota First" agenda, saying the plan will prioritize Minnesotans while avoiding tax increases.

"We are focusing on the needs of Minnesotans first. And that's why we're here today to introduce our agenda, the Republican senate agenda of Minnesotans first," Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson said.

The caucus described five broad planks: balancing the budget without tax increases, reining in state spending and agency growth, strengthening anti-fraud measures, prioritizing public safety, and changing education mandates to give schools more local control.

Sen. Karen Housley framed the budget argument with dollar figures: "Two years ago Minnesota had nearly an $18,000,000,000 surplus and that historic budget position could have helped fuel the growth of Minnesota's economy. Instead, under complete Democrat control, they spent it all," she said, and added that she views recent increases in state…