Dear Neighbors,
Thursday night the Governor called a Special Session to be held on Friday, which adjourned this morning at 1:30 A.M. after much consternation.
Summary of Special Session
As mentioned in previous updates, we needed to re-pass a number of bipartisan budget bills that were vetoed by Governor Dayton. We also passed two other bills—Legacy and Capital Investment.
Overall, I am happy that we were able to come to a resolution and avoid a government shutdown, but events occurred that led to a much longer special session than anticipated.
Some members of the Senate did not like the Environment and Agriculture bill that all 5 leaders - the Governor, Speaker of the House, Majority leader in the Senate, and minority leaders of the House and Senate - agreed to, so they amended it (breaking the agreement of the leaders, which constitutionally they are able to do). The House then had to amend it back to the original form that was agreed upon prior to special session, send it back to the Senate, and hope that this time it would pass - which it did, thankfully, with help of some Senate GOP votes.
While I understand not liking things in these bills, in order to avoid a shutdown in a divided government, everyone must agree to things they do not like. And as our governor said - "the final product would make no one completely happy." (http://www.twincities.com/politics/ci_28304430/special-session-finish-line-sight-legislature-stalls).
The Bills
Jobs & Energy
The first bill we re-passed was the Job Growth and Energy bill. While it remained largely unchanged from the version that was originally vetoed, it continues our commitment to growing jobs across the state, including funding for STEM internships and job training grants. It also spends $24 million less than last biennium’s Jobs bill.
Education
Next, we took up and passed our renegotiated education bill. As you read the last few email updates, this bill’s main sticking point was over the governor’s insistence on universal pre-kindergarten. The renegotiated education bill does not include universal pre-k, rather it invests $95 million to fund targeted pre-kindergarten scholarships and school readiness aid. The bill also has great policy reforms, with provisions to reduce mandated tests as well as teacher licensure reform to address teacher shortages in Greater Minnesota. Perhaps most notable for Anoka-Hennepin, compensatory aid - which helps students struggling to succeed - was added back into the bill after negotiations with the governor and Senate.
Overall, the education omnibus bill adds an additional $525 million in education funding for the next two years, with a 2 percent increase on the formula for 2016 and 2017. It passed the House with broad bi-partisan support.
Legacy
The next bill that was passed was the Legacy bill. This bill spends the revenue generated by the 3/8 of 1 percent statewide sales tax to generate revenue for projects pertaining to the environment, arts, and trails. Minnesota voters approved this tax in 2008 by way of a constitutional amendment and it is our responsibility as the legislature to make sure that this revenue is being put to the best-possible use.
Capital Investment
After the Legacy bill, we debated and passed a capital investment or “bonding bill”. Traditionally, smaller bonding bills are passed in even years - and this year is no different.
I voted against the bonding bill this year as I believe we as a state need to be more fiscally responsible, and rather than borrowing to pay for some of these projects (that vary in terms of need) I would like to see reform in our system so we can fund our needs with existing revenues. This requires prioritizing, which is difficult with 201 legislators who all believe the projects in their districts are the most important. Indeed, I certainly feel the needs in our community are most vital. Yet there were projects in this years bonding bill I felt were unnecessary, and so this time, for me, those projects outweighed the ones that perhaps had more merit.
Agriculture and Environment
The final bill that was passed on Friday, as mentioned, sets the state’s Agriculture and Environment budget for the next two years. Agriculture plays a central role in Minnesotans’ lives. Our bipartisan bill provides nearly $23 million to state agencies in order to better prevent and respond to the avian flu outbreak. It also includes significant reforms and funding to help ensure that Minnesota’s water and natural resources remain vibrant, strong, and safe.
At the end of the day, while we still have a lot of work to do, I am proud of the work we accomplished this session. We invested in our nursing homes, education, and agriculture. There will be no gas tax - specifically, the largest proposed gas tax in state history - and no universal pre-k. Furthermore, we were able to invest in these priorities without raising taxes (a notion that made little sense to me when the State has a projected surplus).
My weekly email updates will slow down now that the legislative session is officially complete, but as always, do not hesitate to contact me if you ever have a question or concern regarding a piece of legislation or a state agency. It would be an honor to speak with you and discuss your ideas for how we can make Minnesota an even better place. I can be reached via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn and by phone at 651-296-1729.
Hope to see you around our community this summer,