St. Paul, MN : The Minnesota Senate today voted to confirm Jim Schowalter as commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), a position he has held since 2020. This is the second Senate confirmation for Schowalter, who also served as commissioner of MMB from 2011 to 2015.

Today’s action followed a unanimous Senate Finance Committee vote on Jan. 25 to support Schowalter’s confirmation and to move the vote to the Senate floor.

"As we’ve worked to improve state services and create an economy that works for all Minnesotans, Jim Schowalter’s leadership has been invaluable," said Governor Walz. "I am ready to continue partnering with Jim to build a budget that improves life for all Minnesotans by making Minnesota the best state in the nation for children, investing in our economic future, combating climate change, and improving public safety across the state.”

“As Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget, Jim Schowalter has provided a steady hand and invaluable guidance as we work together to build a budget for One Minnesota — the budget I’ve been working toward for my entire life. I am grateful he is part of our team,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.

As MMB’s commissioner, Schowalter serves as Minnesota’s chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, controller, and chief human resources officer.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to continue serving Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan and the people of our state as Minnesota’s Management and Budget commissioner,” Schowalter said. “I returned to MMB in 2020 when we were working day to day to deal with all the emerging challenges. Thanks to the amazing team at MMB, we’ve made so much progress and are looking forward to the future, delivering reliable and effective services for Minnesota’s kids, families, businesses and communities.”

MMB achieved a number of significant milestones in recent years. Among them:

• Stabilized the state budget, moving from projections that drained the rainy-day fund to the current outlook, which anticipates the largest budget surplus in Minnesota’s history, one that Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan can invest in the things that matter most to Minnesotans: our children and families, economic future, health and safety, and a state government that works for all Minnesotans
• Received highest bond ratings from all three major rating agencies in 2022, regaining the recognition that was lost 20 years ago
• Returned more than $300 million in state COVID appropriations to the general fund by maximizing federal resources
• Published evaluation research in the Journal of the American Medical Association’s Health Forum
• Worked with cabinet agencies to directly certify nearly 200,000 families for free or reduced-cost school meals

“Looking ahead, we will be seizing new opportunities to enhance recruitment and retention of talent, further state finances and prevent the risk of fraud, and drive toward results-based budgeting,” Schowalter said. “This is a remarkable time for delivering meaningful change even as we hold onto our role as stewards of the state’s resources.”

Schowalter credited strong leadership by the governor and lieutenant governor, positive relations with state lawmakers, a great staff, and robust collaboration among executive branch agencies for MMB’s successes.

Contact

Patrick Hogan
Phone: 651-259-3737
Email: patrick.hogan@state.mn.us