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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tama Theis (R)

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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.

"I am proud the House passed a comprehensive, bipartisan budget that keeps state spending in line with family budgets while also funding our priorities like education and nursing homes," said Rep. Tama Theis (R-St. Cloud). "What's more, House Republicans stopped a regressive gas tax increase which would have hurt Minnesota family budgets and people on fixed incomes."

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
  • $12.5 million for small cities road and bridge improvements
  • Tuition relief for college students at two and four year MnSCU schools

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

 

 

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