ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House was set to adjourn for the year Sunday night with deep divisions remaining between the Republican-led legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton. Other than a capital investment bonding package and a bill to shore up state pensions, the Republican legislature offered little in the way of compromise in the final hours, especially related to education funding and taxes.
State Rep. Jen Schultz (DFL – Duluth) issued the following statement:
“We had tremendous opportunities to pass legislation improving the lives of Minnesotans. Unfortunately, whether addressing elder abuse, the opioid crisis, sexual harassment, school safety, tax conformity, distracted driving or any number of other problems, the Republicans have failed to deliver. Instead of acting on each of these shared priorities individually, Republicans have insisted on dividing us by passing massive legislation that Gov. Dayton could not sign. Other DFLers and I will continue to stand with working Minnesotans, seniors, students, and others who deserve a stronger future, and will work on legislation that truly helps the people of Minnesota, not corporate interests.”
State Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth) issued the following statement:
“I’m disappointed that despite so much hard work, it looks like this session will conclude without enacting real changes to policies protecting seniors and other vulnerable adults. This is especially disheartening since members of both parties were committed to action when the session started. That said, I introduced and championed legislation to protect our seniors and elderly and will continue to move this work forward. Regardless of the final outcome, seeing Minnesotans at the Capitol this session who were motivated, advocating for consumer-driven reforms on this issue and others, like the opioid crisis, gun violence, and education underfunding gives me hope looking ahead. I’ve been proud of how open and responsive I’ve been to the people of Duluth, and will continue to work alongside those in our community to remove barriers and solve problems.”