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RELEASE: Rep. Loonan Statement on Legislature sending completed budget to governor's desk

Friday, May 26, 2017

Historic tax and transportation bills highlight 2017 legislative achievements

ST. PAUL, MN—On Friday morning, the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate concluded the special session, passing the final bills that comprise the 2018-2019 biennium budget. In all, the legislature passed seven bills during special session: Taxes, Transportation, State Government, Health and Human Services, K-12 Education, Bonding, and Labor Standards.

"Minnesotans expect their government to deliver results and that's exactly what happened during this session of divided government," said Rep. Bob Loonan, R-Shakopee. "We passed the largest tax relief in nearly two decades while making one of the largest investments in our roads and bridges using existing resources, not raising taxes. This session was a win for everyday Minnesotans and I'm proud of the work we accomplished."

The Republican-led tax bill will mean more than $650 million in tax relief—the largest tax cut in nearly two decades—for Minnesota families in the 2018-2019 biennium and three-quarters of a billion dollars in tax relief in the 2020-2021 biennium. It includes relief for seniors on social security, college graduates with student loan debt, and property tax relief for farmers and Minnesota businesses. In addition, Republicans championed and the legislature approved the largest investment in road and bridge infrastructure in a state history without an increase in the gas tax or license tab fees.

“This legislative session will go down as one of the most productive in recent memory. Working under divided government, we balanced our state budget and successfully passed key priorities including tax relief, road and bridge funding and health care reforms. The budget bills were agreed upon by the House, Senate and the governor’s office,” said Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown. “I am particularly proud Republican majorities delivered the largest tax cut in nearly two decades and the largest investment in road and bridge infrastructure in state history without a tax increase.”

During regular session, the legislature passed budget bills for Public Safety, Higher Education, Jobs & Energy Affordability, Agriculture, and Environment and Natural Resources. Altogether, the legislature is sending ten budget bills, a bonding bill, and a labor standards bill to the governor’s desk for his signature.

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