St. Paul, MINN—On Monday, May 18th, the legislature adjourned, sending a comprehensive $41.5 billion budget to Governor Dayton that increases funding for education, prioritizes aging adults' quality of life and protects middle class Minnesotans from tax increases.
"This session we came to a bipartisan agreement to make Greater Minnesota a priority. We put more money toward our schools, advanced significant nursing home funding increases to enhance the quality of life for Minnesota seniors and kept state spending in check," said Rep. Brian Johnson (R-Cambridge). "What's more, with a $2 billion surplus, House Republicans put a stop to an unnecessary gas tax increase which would have hurt Minnesota families."
The legislature, which ended the regular session on time, passed bipartisan budget bills that will fully fund state government over the next two years. Highlights include:
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$400 million more for education funding
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$60 million for pre-k initiatives including early learning scholarships
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$138 million in additional funding to provide financial stability for nursing homes and improve aging Minnesotans' quality of life and quality of care
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$17 million for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to fund statewide veterans' homes
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Additional oversight of government agencies to find cost savings and efficiencies
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Additional tools to eliminate waste and illegal payments for public benefit programs to protect taxpayers
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$12.5 million for small cities road and bridge improvements
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Millions for child protection including $800,000 for child advocacy centers which is supported by Isanti County Sheriff Chris Caulk and Chief Deputy Lisa Lovering
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Funding for the City of Cambridge and the Highway 95 Corridor to help alleviate traffic congestion
These budget bills have been sent to Governor Mark Dayton for signature.