Dear Neighbor,
We are getting into full-on budget season in the House, with a series of omnibus finance bills starting to come to the floor for votes on preliminary passage from the full body.
Here are some notes on that subject and more:
State of the State
The governor issued his annual State of the State address on Wednesday, and while there were a few things I was glad to hear, the partisan tone was loud and clear and it did not feel like “One Minnesota.”
To his credit, the governor spoke about the $6 billion budget deficit we’re now facing. That’s a reality check after two years of reckless spending and unnecessary tax hikes passed by one party in full control of the Capitol the last two years. Let’s not forget they burned through an $18 billion surplus and increased state spending by 40%.
It was also good to hear the governor bring up the rampant fraud that’s been plaguing our state. There’s been a serious lack of accountability on fraud under his administration so it’s good to finally hear the governor follow House Republicans who took the lead on this issue.
The rest of his speech was rather disappointing. Instead of focusing on what’s happening right here in Minnesota, the governor shifted into a political speech aimed at Washington, D.C. That’s not what Minnesotans needed to hear. With a split House and a narrowly divided Senate, he missed an opportunity to deliver a truly bipartisan message.
Even with the House session delayed 23 days because our Democrat colleagues didn’t show up for work on time, we still need to deliver a responsible, bipartisan budget by the May 19 deadline. That’s what Minnesotans expect and deserve.
SCTCC aircraft program
I appreciated the recent opportunity to visit St. Cloud Technical and Community College to check in on a new aircraft maintenance technician program at the school. We got to see the two airplanes that are on campus and learn about the progress that’s been made in preparation for the program to start in the fall of 2026. This is a great opportunity for people looking for a career that pays well and has lots of openings. Click here for more information on this new development. Thanks to everyone at SCTCC for the hospitality and for allowing me to learn more about this interesting program.
Budget bills
Most of our House finance committees have finished compiling omnibus bills to fund their particular area of the state budget for the next two years. A few outliers are still working to find bipartisan agreement in our split House, including K-12 education, health, energy and labor.
Costly mandates enacted by the former one-party control are causing delays, from medical leave to sick time and more. So far, it seems Democrats are not understanding the concept of bipartisan and the fact they are no longer in the majority – much less to acknowledge that we need to at least pump the brakes on launch dates, if not altogether cancel implementation.
We’ll see how all that plays out. On a brighter note, a package related to agriculture was the first omnibus budget bill to receive approval from the full House after passing by a wide margin Thursday.
This bill will help our state combat infectious diseases in flocks and herds by providing the Board of Animal Health with the funding it needs to respond to disease outbreaks. Our state has faced challenges in managing highly pathogenic bird flu, which has impacted our turkey and chicken flocks. Now that the virus has been found in dairy cattle as well, it’s more important than ever to protect our state’s livestock and poultry. The Board of Animal Health plays a key role in that goal.
It’s also good this bill does not include fee increases proposed by Gov. Tim Walz’s Department of Agriculture. Our ag industry already has significant hurdles and the last thing we should do is raise fees.
Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association
It’s tough to beat steak on a stick during the annual Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association Day on the Hill in St. Paul. What a great way to celebrate agriculture in Minnesota the same day we passed the ag bill!
Here’s Morgan
They say Minnesota has a “part-time” legislature, but let’s not kid ourselves: It’s a full-time job, and then some, if you want to provide constituents with the service they deserve. I am blessed to have the assistance of Morgan, who does a fantastic job keeping all my trains running on time. Now you have a face to put with the name if she answers the next time you call!
Helpful House links
Here are some links you may find helpful in following the latest goings on at the Capitol:
Please Contact Me
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. You can call me at 651-296-6316, or email me at rep.bernie.perryman@house.mn.gov. I am here to serve you!
Bernie
