Legislative Update
Hello friends,
This week at the Capitol has been full of floor sessions as we move through a long slate of budget bills. Several have already passed, including Public Safety, Agriculture, Commerce, Veterans, Higher Education, and Transportation. These bills were crafted through bipartisan negotiations between GOP and DFL committee co-chairs, so each includes provisions from both parties. With the May 19th deadline approaching, a late session start, and a projected $6 billion budget deficit on the horizon, there’s no room for delays. Major bills are still being negotiated, and it’s critical that the Legislature stays focused on passing a balanced, responsible budget that meets the serious financial challenges we’re facing.
Updates from the Capitol
This week, we heard and passed the following omnibus bills:
Commerce - This bill reduces future spending and prevents even more costly healthcare mandates.
Higher Education - This bill takes steps toward closing a major State Grant
program shortfall through cuts and returning award policies to what they were prior to last session.
Transportation - This bill makes our roads safer, our transportation system more fiscally responsible, and invests in the modes of transportation that Minnesotans use most.
Housing - I did not vote for this bill due to concerns from our community regarding local control in zoning.
Veterans - This bill supports essential services to our veterans with a specific focus on preventing veteran suicide.
State Government - This bill reins in agency spending and takes major steps to stop the rampant waste, fraud and abuse in state government.
Elections - This bill focuses on improving election integrity and absentee voting problems.
I voted in favor of all of the bills for the reasons listed above, expect for the Housing bill. I had many lengthy conversations with community members and leaders about the provisions of the Housing bill, and I voted against it due to concerns from the community.
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