St Paul Pioneer Press reports on three Minnesota State budget proposals currently on the table…

• Walz wants to spend $49.4 billion, including an increase of 20 cents per gallon on the gas tax and tab fees, as well as an increase in revenue from corporate or individual income taxes over the current situation. Walz also wants to renew a longstanding tax on health care providers that is forecast to bring in about $948 million over the next two years and funds a number of government health insurance programs.
• House Democrats are generally in line with Walz but want to spend more. Their plan would spend $49.8 billion and feature the 20-cent gas tax hike and a larger increase in income tax revenues, suggesting they might target large corporations. They also support continuing the provider tax.
• Senate Republicans want to spend $47.6 billion, with no increases in the gas tax or income tax revenues, and they want to allow the provider tax to expire.

The Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus provides some details about what this may mean for broadband…

Senate Republicans will provide access to high speed internet throughout the state with a budget target of $258.3 million. That target includes a one-time boost for broadband technology of $30 million. This Republican budget supports access for farmers to new agriculture innovation and access to affordable housing for our state’s workforce and seniors.

In the meetings I have attended, legislators have been interested in supporting broadband – to terms of $70 million or more. I will anxiously watch to see how these budgets come together. I’m sure we’ll learn more at the Broadband Day on the Hill next week (April 3).