Hello friends and neighbors,
Well…where do I begin? It’s been a very busy final week of the legislative session with a lot of unexpected twists and turns throughout the budget process.
Last weekend, we were working around the clock to meet the statutory end date of the legislative session: Monday, May 22nd at midnight. Throughout the weekend, the House passed the following omnibus budget bills: Agriculture, Environment, Public Safety, Higher Education, and Jobs/Energy (which is sometimes called Economic Development in the press). Around 11pm on Monday, Legislative Leaders and the Governor reached a compromise on the remaining budget bills; as a result, the Governor called a special session in order to finish the budget. Here’s the link to the press conference announcing the deal on the budget. It was a moment to be proud of, seeing how government can work in a bipartisan way for the benefit of all Minnesotans.
As I write this to you today, we will be working into the evening to complete our work before Memorial Weekend. The following bills are/have been up for debate and passage since the beginning of the special session: Taxes, Education, Health & Human Services, State Government Finance, Transportation, Uniform State Labor Standards, and Bonding.
I will keep you posted with greater detail as budget bills are signed by the Governor.
There are no visitor photos to share; only a picture of my office that has become a combination of a convenience store and a hotel. I never was much good at camping!
Stay In Touch:
If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding anything related to state government, please do not hesitate to contact me at rep.barb.haley@house.mn or 651-296-8635.
I appreciate your comments and concerns as it helps me be a better representative.
Have a safe and happy Memorial Day/weekend. Please take a minute to reflect on the many men and women who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect this nation and our freedoms.
God Bless!
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