St. Paul, MINN—On Monday, May 18th, the legislature adjourned, sending a comprehensive $41.5 billion budget to Governor Dayton that increases funding for education, prioritizes aging adults' quality of life and protects middle class Minnesotans from tax increases.
"This session, legislative leaders came together to pass a budget that limited government growth, funded early learning programs and education, increased government efficiencies to protect hardworking taxpayers and held the line on an unnecessary and unneeded gas tax," said Rep. Kelly Fenton (R-Woodbury). "I listened to the priorities of Woodbury families, and they asked that we spend tax dollars effectively and efficiently to keep state government spending in line with your family's budget."
The legislature, which ended the regular session on time, passed bipartisan budget bills that will fully fund state government over the next two years. Highlights include:
-
$400 million more for education funding
-
$60 million for pre-k initiatives including early learning scholarships
-
$138 million in additional funding to provide financial stability for nursing homes and improve aging Minnesotans' quality of life and quality of care
-
$17 million for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to fund statewide veterans' homes
-
Additional oversight of government agencies to find cost savings and efficiencies
-
Additional tools to eliminate waste and illegal payments for public benefit programs to protect taxpayers
-
Tuition relief for Minnesota's college students
These budget bills have been sent to Governor Mark Dayton for signature.