ST. PAUL – On July 1, a new state budget cycle began in the State of Minnesota which means a number of budget bills that were passed weeks ago have officially been implemented into law. State Representative Tim Miller (R-Prinsburg) said this is good news.
"Whether its avian flu funding, nursing home increases, or new money for small towns to deal with street repairs, there are many positives for Greater Minnesota in our new budget," Miller said.
Regarding avian flu, Miller said $23 million is now available to help battle a disease that is devastating poultry flocks across our state. Local nursing homes and their employees will also benefit from the $5 million in new revenue that has been allocated to care centers in District 17A.
Every town with fewer than 5,000 residents will receive thousands of dollars from the state to help them pay for local transportation upgrades under another new law. In District 17A, towns in Renville County will receive $192,000 in new revenue, Swift County communities will see nearly $146,000, while district towns in Chippewa and Kandiyohi counties will receive roughly $55,000 and $48,000 respectively.
Miller noted that local schools will also benefit under the new K-12 Education law, as it increases per-pupil spending in the classroom by an average of $396 for non-metro area school districts. It also provides funding for facilities maintenance, which will help reduce funding disparities for Greater Minnesota school districts and help finance the preservation of their school buildings.
Miller also added that his legislation allowing the MACCRAY School District to maintain its four day per week schedule was also approved this session.