Capitol Update: Edina Senator Says State Needs to 'Live Within Its Means'

Senate and House Republicans released their budget targets yesterday, essentially unveiling the framework for their counter to .

Sen. Geoff Michel (R-Edina) was among those who came out in support of the targets, calling them "a timeout for taxpayers."

"We're going to build a budget based on what is in Minnesota's checking account, not what we wish was in the checking account," Michel said.

DFL legislators slammed the proposal, referencing "hidden taxes" and alluded to it "slashing the workforce."

House Minority Leader Paul Thissen (DFL-Minneapolis) said the release of the GOP targets "proves the magic act Republicans promised Minnesotans is running into hard reality."

"Living within our means isn't as easy as Republicans made it seem on the campaign trial," Thissen said. "The property tax-raising, job-killing budgets of the past will be our future if the Republicans have their way."