St. Paul – Today, the Minnesota Legislature will begin its first day of a new special session. The Minnesota Senate began negotiations with Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota House of Representatives by rolling out a potential compromise proposal. Rep. Tim Miller (Republican-Prinsburg) offered his reaction.
“Republicans and Democrats should support the Minnesota Senate’s bipartisan compromise deal,” said Rep. Miller. “This proposal would include $120 million in tax cuts, Section 179 conformity, and a bonding bill for infrastructure projects which includes road improvements in Lake Lillian. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka has put together a great deal which prioritizes the needs of Minnesotans.”
Governor Walz called the special session to extend the peacetime emergency declaration related to COVID-19. However, legislators are expected to address multiple issues during the special session.
“All three components of this deal represent positive steps for the State of Minnesota and the people of my district,” said Rep. Miller. “Farmers are expecting Section 179 conformity, and that needs to be accomplished. Tax relief is necessary to assist families during these tough economic times. Additionally, as imperfect as this bonding bill is, it includes funding for critical infrastructure projects which are necessary for rural Minnesota.”
The Minnesota House of Representatives, the Minnesota Senate, and Governor Tim Walz are expected to continue negotiations throughout the week.
“Over the past several days, I have worked with both Republican and Democrat leadership in the Minnesota Legislature to advance this deal,” said Rep. Miller. “This is a good faith offer by the Senate to accomplish something positive for Minnesota. Too often, good proposals get crushed by the political maneuverings of self-interested politicians. We have walked away from too many special sessions without a good deal. That needs to end, and I will be working all week to ensure that good legislation is passed into law. ”
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