Neighbors and Friends,
We had five months to set the next state budget. Then an additional day. Only now, three days later, is the legislative session, and the special session, done. The process was ugly, the product disappointing, the outcome uncertain, and the long-term impact concerning.
When the regular legislative session ended at midnight Monday, 70% of the major budget bills were unresolved including education, health and human services, and state government finance. A proposed package of tax legislation also stalled, as did a bonding bill to address infrastructure needs statewide. The legislative leadership and Governor agreed to a special session of only seven hours and seven bills. Yet by the end of that time several of the bills weren’t even ready to be voted on.
In our special session, the hours were long, nerves were frayed, and the progress slow. We did pass the remainder of the budget bills. The budget is balanced but overall it falls short of the investments that Minnesota needs and Minnesotans want. They contain controversial policy provisions while prioritizing tax cuts for big tobacco, corporations and the wealthy.
The final budget bills were agreed to at least in outline between the Governor and legislative leadership. Shortly they will be delivered to the Governor when he will have three days to sign or veto bills passed in regular session. If he does not act on one of these bills it automatically becomes law. For those bills passed during the special session the Governor has 14 days to sign or veto bills passed in the special session, and if he does not act on those bills it is a veto. He can line-item veto spending provisions but not policy proposals. It’s uncertain how he will approach many of the bills. We’ll have to wait and see. I’ll wait to comment on any of the bills until we learn what actually becomes law.
Minnesotans expect the legislature to get its work done on time, especially in a time of projected surplus. The failure to finish on time demonstrates the inability of the current Minnesota House and Senate Majorities to manage the workload, prioritize an orderly and planful ending, and to compromise on proposals.
Save the date: Capitol Grand Opening
After four years and a $310 million restoration, the Minnesota State Capitol is now open to the public. Our beautiful Capitol has been returned to its former glory and is ready for the next 100 years.
To invite Minnesotans back to the People’s House, there will be a Grand Opening Celebration on August 11, 12, and 13. The celebration will have something for everyone – fireworks, concerts, demonstrations by the artisans that worked on the restoration, behind the scenes tours, and much more. With featured events to entertain Minnesotans of all ages from all corners of the state, the Grand Opening weekend will be, educational, interactive and fun. Most of the events are free, or offered at a very low cost.
For detailed information on the weekend, please visit us at mn.gov/mymncapitol or connect with us by Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Jim Davnie
State Representative