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State Representative Michael Beard
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8872
For more information contact: Jodi Boyne 651-296-0640
NEWS RELEASE
END-OF-SESSION BRIEFING
Friends and neighbors,
The legislative session is speeding towards the finish this week with many of the major issues already resolved. The majority of work that remains is on the state bonding bill, which should include money for the Shakopee women’s prison and the Scott County training center. Here is a brief rundown of another issue, the need to pass an emergency funding bill for state government to cover unforeseen costs since last year.
In odd-numbered years the Legislature passes a multi-billion state budget that will fund state government for the next two years. Typically, in even-numbered years like this one we have to go back and adjust the budget based on unexpected costs or changes in revenue. The 2006 supplemental budget totals $88 million in new spending for sex offender lock-ups; staff resources for dealing with mentally ill and violent patients; and salary adjustments for corrections workers.
It also includes preparations for a potential bird flu sickness, a new team to investigate Internet child pornography and supplemental funding for the development of a new state university in Rochester.
The other major section is for veterans, providing funding to new and better veterans service organizations that will assist veterans who return home or have chosen to make Minnesota their new home.
The House also passed the final version of a bill to protect grieving family members from protestors who intend to disrupt and insult them. It places a 500-foot barrier around funerals, gravesites and memorial services to give families room to grieve without disruption or having to be insulted. Those who wish to speak their minds can still do so, but they will have to follow the same time, manner and place guidelines that have been established by the courts as acceptable in prior cases.
News Items
- 2013 Legislative Survey Results - (Posted: May 14 2013 9:07AM)
- State Budget Round Two: Increased taxes, spending on the horizon - (Posted: May 3 2013 10:27AM)
- Tax increases unnecessary with positive budget news - (Posted: Mar 11 2013 12:00AM)
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