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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Ben Lien (DFL)

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RELEASE: Rep. Lien statement on conclusion of legislative session

Monday, May 21, 2018

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House adjourned for the year late Sunday night after passing a capital investment bonding package, as well as a bill to improve the long-term stability of public employee pensions. Earlier in the day, the House passed a combined tax conformity bill along with an education funding bill. Saturday, the House passed the Republican majority’s omnibus supplemental budget bill totaling 990 pages of finance and policy provisions surrounding every area of the state budget.

Rep. Ben Lien (DFL – Moorhead) issued the following statement:

"The session ended in a mixed bag. We passed a Capital Investment Bill with funding for several projects in Moorhead including $6 million for the 20/21 Street underpass and $628,000 for Weld Hall at MSUM. I also voted for the Supplemental Budget Bill to provide Direct Service Provider organizations with dollars to prevent budget cuts and the Tax Bill, which contained an additional $50 million in education funding. However, the Legislature did not adequately address all of the pressing issues currently facing Minnesotans. People need better responses to the opioid crisis and elder abuse issues. These are issues that impact Minnesotans every day, and deserve better solutions than what was presented this session.

"I am pleased the Legislature passed a Capital Investment Bill to fund major projects in my district as those were top priorities for me going into the 2018 session. I look forward to conversations with folks in my district over the next year to hear what people need the Legislature to prioritize going forward."