Dear Neighbors,
The legislature returned to St. Paul on Monday for the start of a special session to approve a new two-year state budget. With several items left unresolved, negotiations are ongoing and I would expect the special session to last several days and possibly run to the end of June.
As we work on the final budget, my priorities will be ending the emergency powers, stopping health care costs from skyrocketing, and ensuring safety in our communities.
On Monday, House Republicans and I voted for the 19th time to end the governor’s emergency powers. COVID-19 case counts and positivity rates have not been this low since the beginning of the pandemic and it is clear that the "emergency" is over. The time to end the emergency powers is now so that we can restore the legislature’s role as a co-equal branch of government.
As always, special sessions are extremely fluid, and things change quickly as negotiations progress. I will do my best to keep you updated on how things unfold in the days and weeks ahead. Until then, please do not hesitate to contact me to share any thoughts or concerns you may have. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-8237 or via email at rep.brian.daniels@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Brian