Dear Neighbors,
The 2021 legislative session ended with a whimper on Monday afternoon with zero budget bills reaching the governor’s desk. According to records, this has been the least productive session in more than 40 years.
Due to this lack of action, the legislature will need a special session to finish its work.
It’s because of Democrats' refusal to drop their demands for tax hikes until the 11th hour of session, that we are now heading to overtime. Additionally, they continue to hold PPP/UI relief hostage as negotiations continue on the rest of the budget.
We must work to end the Governor's emergency powers and make sure the legislature has oversight and control over every penny of federal COVID relief funds that are coming into the state. It's the job of the legislature—not the Governor—to appropriate money and the legislature should retain full control over federal stimulus dollars.
Thankfully, Democrats have dropped their demands for tax increases, but most understood that with a $4 billion budget surplus, tax increases were NEVER actually going to happen.
Stay tuned for more updates on budget negotiations as I expect the legislature to be called back for special session sometime in mid-June.
Staying in Touch
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to share any thoughts or concerns you may have about state government or the job I'm doing as your representative. It would be great to talk with you. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-8237 or via email at rep.brian.daniels@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Brian