Friends and Neighbors,
We have spent the last couple of weeks in conference committees negotiating bills with the Senate, and passing them off the House floor.
House and Senate Republican leadership decided to set bill committee deadlines much earlier this year than in the past in a conscious effort to make time for transparency and public involvement. I’m pleased to say that we are on-track to pass a state budget with time to spare.
It is disappointing that Governor Dayton has had very little involvement in conference committee or budget target negotiations, in spite of several requests by House Republicans for his input. Now Dayton has vetoed the five budget bills he has received thus far from the House and Senate. This is no way to govern.
Below are highlights from our transportation, tax, and education bills. I am especially proud to have authored the reduction in income taxes for our seniors who rely on social security and live on fixed incomes. In addition, these and all of the other budget bills, include items that Governor Dayton said were his priorities. Republicans have been working to come to an agreement with Governor Dayton, and I am confident that we can come together to pass this important legislation for Minnesotans, in spite of these vetos announced today. They are a set back, but we will keep making efforts to negotiate.
If you have time, please contact Governor Dayton’s office and ask him to come to the table with his priorities and pass a budget for Minnesota.
I will continue to keep you up to date as we continue work this last week of session.
Take care,
Anne