Dear Friends,
Last week the House and Senate came together to pass a bipartisan budget and send it to the Governor. No sides came out happy, but that's exactly what's supposed to happen when everyone compromises in good faith to reach an agreement.
The bipartisan education bill included $400 million in increased funding for schools and proven early-learning programs, spending a total of $1.3 billion more than in the 2014-2015 biennium. In an effort to avert special session, leaders worked until the 11th hour to find a compromise that could avoid the special session, but the Governor disappointingly walked away from a deal that would have put more money on the formula and helped Anoka-Hennepin Schools avert any budget cuts.
The Governor has vetoed this bill, and will now force a special session. Schools have been clear that they support putting additional funding on the formula. That's something I have fought hard for all session, and will continue to fight for moving forward toward special session.
Our budget also included major reforms to our nursing homes that will result in $138 million in new funding. This will help senior care facilities provide exceptional care to our aging loved ones and keep their doors open as more aging adults enter nursing homes.
I will continue to send along more updates as the summer continues, so stay tuned for more information on this as well as the upcoming special session, which has yet to be scheduled.
As always, contact me with any questions at rep.mark.uglem@house.mn or call 651-296-5513. I hope you have a great and relaxing Memorial Day weekend and are able to take some time reflecting and thinking of those who died securing our freedoms we enjoy today. We owe a debt of gratitude to these heroes, and they deserve our thanks on Memorial Day, and throughout the rest of the year as well.
Mark Uglem
State Representative, District 36A