SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives finished passing a two-year state budget and adjourned sine die. The new budget, which reflects bipartisan agreements reached between House DFLers and Senate Republicans, will help Minnesotans rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic, improve racial equity, and reduce economic disparities.
“It’s a honor to contribute to the vital work of ensuring every Minnesotan has the opportunity to succeed,” said Rep. Liz Reyer (DFL – Eagan). “During my first year at the Legislature, I championed significant reforms to expand access to dental care, secured more services and support for people experiencing homelessness, and helped strengthen the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The bipartisan budget we passed this session will help Minnesotans recover from challenges they’ve faced over the past year and thrive once the pandemic is behind us. However, there are many areas where we can do more. Most importantly, we need to take stronger action on police accountability. Rest assured, I will continue advocating for our community and expanding the limits of what’s possible in the future.”
House DFLers secured many investments in families, workers, students, and small businesses who’ve been hit hardest by the pandemic, including:
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Financial support for frontline workers who sacrificed their health to keep all of us safe during the pandemic
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Investments in access to affordable child care for families and increased funding for providers
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Rental assistance for tenants and landlords and expanded access to affordable housing
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Tax cuts for workers and small businesses impacted by the pandemic
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Investments to improve public health and reduce racial disparities in health care
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State aid for small businesses damaged during last year’s civil unrest
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Investments in transit, roads, bridges, and rail
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Substantial reforms to sexual assault laws to bring justice to survivors
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Measures to reform policing and increase accountability
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Investments in families who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness
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Delivering an overdue pay raise for personal care attendants and additional support for home and community-based services to help people live independently
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Substantial investments to reduce racial disparities and improve equity
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Funding for the Market Bucks program to provide healthy and affordable farmers’ market produce to SNAP/EBT users
As a result of a bipartisan deal to end Governor Walz’s emergency powers on July 1, the Legislature will not convene for a July special session or continue meeting monthly as it has since the pandemic began.