Dear Neighbors,
The House of Representatives approved its final omnibus finance bill last week. With this process complete, each bill is now being negotiated with the Senate in conference committee. These conference committees are where the differences between the House Democrat majority and Senate Republican majority versions of the bills will be ironed out.
An agreement needs to be reached before the May 17th adjournment date to make sure the legislature finishes its job on time.
Unfortunately, getting our work done on time is being put in jeopardy due to Democrats' demands for billions in tax hikes on families and businesses. With a $4 billion surplus ($1.6 billion state surplus + $2.6 billion in federal money coming), we can put together a responsible, bipartisan budget that funds our priorities without raising taxes.
I recorded a short video discussing the role taxes are playing in end-of-session negotiations and why it's so important to end the emergency powers and return the legislature to its constitutionally designated role as a co-equal branch of government.
Watch the video here or by clicking on the photo below.
Governor Dials Back COVID-19 Restrictions
On Thursday, Governor Walz announced rollbacks of his COVID-19 restrictions including ending the statewide mask mandate no later than July 1st and eliminating indoor capacity limits on May 28th.
For more information and to read his latest executive order detailing the changes, click here.
This is a step in the right direction but does not go far enough as the Governor still refuses to give up his emergency powers.
The data clearly shows we’ve made incredible progress reducing case counts and getting Minnesotans vaccinated, but the Governor insists on holding on to powers he doesn’t need — it's time to open up and end the emergency powers.
Government should not be micromanaging Minnesotans. Leadership matters and real leaders listen to stakeholders and determine the best path forward in consultation with the people they’re supposed to be representing. Governor Walz has failed to this time and time again.
Staying in Touch
As always, I am happy to answer questions! You can reach me at rep.donald.raleigh@house.mn or via phone at 651-296-2907.
Stay Strong, Stay Safe, and Stay Free!
Donald