Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Bob Dettmer (R)

Back to profile

Legislature Passes Bipartisan Budget to End 2015 Regular Legislative Session

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

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 was about ensuring the state is funding our shared priorities while keeping government spending in line with family budgets," said Rep. Bob Dettmer (R-Forest Lake). "What's more, House Republicans protected Minnesotans by defeating an expensive, unnecessary gas tax that would have hurt families in Washington and Chisago County."

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

These budget bills have been sent to Governor Mark Dayton for signature.

Dettmer can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4124. He can also be contacted via e-mail at rep.bob.dettmer@house.mn, or via U.S. Mail at 565 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155.

—30—