ST. PAUL, MN – Early Friday morning, the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate concluded the special session, passing the final bills that comprise the 2018-2019 biennium budget. In all, the legislature passed seven bills during special session: Taxes, Transportation, State Government, Health & Human Services, K-12 Education, Bonding, and Labor Standards.
“The number one priority of the Legislature is to pass a budget, we have done that,” said Rep. John Poston (R-Lake Shore). “We were able to come to an agreement with the Governor that includes the largest tax relief bill in two decades focused on reducing the tax burden on farmers, seniors, students, and middle class Minnesotans, as well as a historic investment in roads and bridges without having to raise any taxes.”
The Republican-led tax bill will mean more than $650 million in tax relief—the largest tax cut in nearly two decades—for Minnesota families in the 2018-2019 biennium and three-quarters of a billion dollars in tax relief in the 2020-2021 biennium. It includes relief for seniors on social security, college graduates with student loan debt, and property tax relief for farmers and Minnesota businesses. In addition, Republicans championed and the legislature approved the largest investment in road and bridge infrastructure in a state history without an increase in the gas tax or license tab fees.
During regular session, the legislature passed budget bills for Public Safety, Higher Education, Jobs & Energy Affordability, Agriculture, and Environment & Natural Resources. Altogether, the legislature is sending ten budget bills, a $995 million bonding bill, and a labor standards bill to the governor’s desk for his signature.
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