Dear Neighbors,
I just wanted to make sure to stay in touch during this busy time of the legislative session. We’re set to adjourn on May 22, and I’m happy to report we’re still ahead of schedule. The House and Senate budget proposals are finished, and I believe we’ve created a budget that prioritizes government transparency, tax relief, Met Council reform, and road and bridge funding. That’s what we set out to do this session, and we’re well on our way.
The legislature is eager to sit down and negotiate with the governor to come to a final compromise. The problem is Governor Dayton is making unreasonable demands that policy provisions be excluded from our proposals. That’s certainly curious considering there has been policy in every large budget bill passed by the legislature, even when the DFL had complete control of the House, Senate and Governor’s office. Not to mention, these provisions are intended to make real reforms that help our state become more efficient.
We’ll see if the governor is willing to do what’s in the best interest of Minnesotans and come to a common-sense compromise with the legislature. There’s still work to do, which is why it’s good we’re ahead of schedule.
With things moving so quickly in the final weeks, please don’t hesitate to call or email if you have a question on anything we’re discussing.
Enjoy the warm weekend,
Jim