ST. PAUL – The 2021 legislative session has ended, and State Representative Greg Davids called it a ‘complete failure.’
“There was one thing lawmakers absolutely had to do this session, and that was to craft a new state budget,” Davids said. “Legislative leadership didn’t even agree to a budget target until the last day of session. That’s not acceptable.”
Davids said not one area within state government – such as agriculture, transportation, or K-12 Education – has had a compromise budget approved by the House and Senate.
A special session is expected to be called on June 14 to resume the budget setting process. A new state budget must be in place by the start of the next fiscal year, which is July 1.
“This is the first time in roughly 40 years the governor has not signed any budget bills by adjournment,” Davids said. “Minnesotans expect better from their government leaders.”
Davids said one piece of good news was finalized on the last day of session. The legislature did approve a proposal that distributes federal funds to equip, construct, and furnish 3 new veterans’ homes in Minnesota, including a facility in Fillmore County.
“This was an urgent need and I’m so pleased we did take this action on behalf of the brave men and women who fought for our freedoms,” Davids concluded.