RELEASE: Legislature announces new joint targets representing compromise

With 72 Hours Left, Legislature Moves to Pass Budget Governor Can Sign 

ST. PAUL, MN—After discussing budget targets Friday with Governor Dayton, House and Senate Republican majorities developed new joint targets representing a compromise between the governor and the legislature’s positions. Since their initial joint budget offer, Republicans compromised to meet the governor exactly halfway on tax relief, remove policy provisions the governor dislikes, and move $1.47 billion closer to the governor’s initial budget request. The compromise also grew education funding increases by 54 percent and health and human services increases by 49 percent.

  

“For the second time this year, we are going to get our job done on time, do what Minnesotans sent us here to do, and encourage the governor to sign these bills. The people we represent are frustrated by the lack of tax relief and local road funding that has not materialized for the past several years. This session will be different,” said Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa).

  

“Republican majorities have used our time wisely this session, setting and meeting historically early budget deadlines. Our compromise targets reflect our priorities of providing tax relief and fixing roads and bridges, but they also heavily consider the governor’s priorities. We are committed to working with Governor Dayton to pass this compromise budget before session concludes,” said Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-Crown).

  

Legislative leaders will continue to engage the governor and begin passing budget bills through conference committees Friday in order to be taken up and passed before Monday’s constitutional deadline.  

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