Dear Friends and Neighbors,
After weeks of further negotiations over vetoed, bipartisan budget bills, Governor Dayton finally agreed to call a special legislative session on Friday, June 12 so we could finish our work on behalf of Minnesotans. While I'm disappointed that Governor Dayton vetoed our bipartisan education, environment, and jobs and energy bills after the regular session, I'm glad to report that we were able to resolve that conflict and repass those bills out of the legislature.
In total, we took up six bills when we reconvened for special session including education, agriculture and environment, jobs and energy, legacy, capital investment, and a technical corrections bill.
Here are highlights of the various bills we debated and passed on Friday:
Education
Agriculture and Environment
Jobs and Energy
Legacy
Capital Investment
Overall, this session we accomplished a number of important things that will benefit Minnesota families and taxpayers. We defeated a gas tax increase, invested in our schools and implemented meaningful reforms to state government. Our final budget agreement was the third lowest state spending increase in the past 50 years, as Republicans worked to limit government growth and keep spending in line with family budgets. I am proud to have passed a budget that benefits Minnesota families and taxpayers both in our district and across the state.
As always, thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative. If I can ever be of assistance to you or your family on a matter of state government, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Bob