Legislative Update
Hello all!
With just three weeks left in session, we’ve entered the heart of budget season, moving bills off the House floor that keep Minnesota running and focus on the policies and programs Minnesotans need most.
On Monday, we passed my Transportation Bill with bipartisan support (85-49), a strong 63% majority. Every Republican voted yes, joined by 18 Democrats. Only their most extreme members voted no.
Despite a projected $6 billion deficit, the bill doesn’t rely on new general funds. Instead, we identified savings from underused programs and projects and reinvested in the transportation systems Minnesotans actually use.
The result? A $9.95 billion investment over the next two years in safer roads and bridges, including funding for the long-overdue I-35/County Road 50 interchange project.
With a 67-67 tie in the House, compromise isn’t optional. 68 votes are required to pass anything. That means no bill will be perfect, but like a pizza, you can appreciate the whole even if you don’t love every topping. This is a transportation bill that puts the focus on safer, smarter, and sustainable policy.
Watch my quick video update below, or read a comprehensive summary about the bill here.
 Other major budget bills are advancing as well. One to highlight: Education.
While Governor Walz and Senate Democrats proposed cutting funding for students in non-public schools, the House Education Bill does not include this provision. All students deserve support, regardless of where they attend school.
Other bills, such as the Health Bill, Workforce and Labor Bill, and a few others, are still in the works.
More to come in the final weeks. I appreciate everyone for following along as well as those who have contacted my office and that I have met with.
|
