Dear Neighbors,
We are heading into the final weekend of the 2015 legislative session as lawmakers are constitutionally obligated to adjourn by midnight on Monday, May 18th. A lot of the focus this week has been on negotiations between the Senate, House, and Governor Dayton as we are working around the clock to ensure a two-year state budget is set by midnight on Monday. While there has been a lot of progress made, there are also reports that the DFL controlled Senate and Governor Dayton are insisting that any final budget deal include a gas tax. My colleagues in the House and I remain firmly opposed to such an increase.
We will more than likely be meeting in session throughout the entire weekend as conference committees complete their work on large omnibus finance and policy bills. I look forward to keeping you up-to-date as more information becomes available.
I am proud of the work we have done in the House to rein in out of control spending and focus government on the priorities that Minnesotans care about.
MN Prayer Breakfast
I was honored to attend the Minnesota Prayer Breakfast this week
I was encouraged this week by the 55th Annual Minnesota Prayer Breakfast. Governor Dayton addressed us (I learned it was formerly called the Governor's prayer breakfast), as did other leaders in our state. I was privileged to join with so many as we prayed for our past, present and future.
As always, feel free to contact me if you ever have any questions about negotiations or how things currently stand here in St. Paul. We will be spending many hours on the House floor over the next couple of days, so feel free to email me at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn to let me know your thoughts and concerns. It would be a privilege to communicate with you.
I will have more information next week as session comes to a close.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Abigail