Senate Passes Supplemental Budget Bill

The Minnesota Senate ended a 11-hour marathon floor debate Thursday, April 26, on the omnibus supplemental appropriations bill and gave its stamp of approval on a 34-31 party-line vote. The finance package adjusts state budgets in all areas and funds several new initiatives, including programs to improve school safety, combat opioid addiction, fix the state's auto licensing and registration system, fund efforts to reduce elder abuse, support rural housing development, and expand broadband access to underserved areas.

Senate Finance Chair Julie Rosen, R-Vernon Center, said the bill is "a modest spending proposal that mirrors the modest budget surplus identified in the February forecast. Decisions were made on initiative and priorities accordingly."

Passage of the bill moved the Senate closer to advancing its work before the May 21 adjournment, with an omnibus tax bill and a capital improvements package remaining for members' review. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said the goal is to debate the tax bill on Thursday, May 3rd.

Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk urged the Senate to maintain an open, transparent process when the finance, tax and bonding measures are considered in conference committee, where Senate and House members worked to resolve differences in their bills.