Viewed as a “just in case” scenario by some members and a “let’s give up bill” by others, the so-called lights-on bill to keep government operating if there is no budget agreement awaits action by the governor.
The bill, SF2141, would keep government going if no biennial budget agreement is reached before the end of the fiscal year, June 30.
It was fast-tracked through the Senate and approved 45-19 on May 11 and moved onto the House floor, where it was amended and passed 88-46 two days later. It was repassed by the Senate and now awaits action by the governor.
House Majority Leader Tony Sertich (DFL-Chisholm), who sponsors the bill with Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller (DFL-Mpls), called it “an option of last resort.”
If no budget resolution is reached by May 18, the constitutional deadline for adjournment, the bill would cap state agency spending during fiscal year 2010 at the current spending levels.
“My hope is to end the Legislature on time with a complete budget, but as the Boy Scouts say, we should always be prepared,” Sertich said. “If there is not agreement, no services would shut down in our state. If this bill is passed, it would keep core government service running for one year. … I think this is a good safety measure to have.”
House Minority Leader Marty Seifert (R-Marshall) said the bill is a sign of failure, a “let’s give up bill” and “lazy budgeting.” He said the bill makes no revenue provisions for spending bills that have been, and could be enacted, and it would leave a $3 billion revenue gap.
If the bill is enacted, federal economic stimulus money received, but not allocated, would come under the purview of the Legislative Coordinating Commission for receipt and distribution.
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