Session Update on Budget Negotiations

Governor Mark Dayton released a statement outlining 117 objections with the Republican omnibus budget bill Friday, May 18. Following a closed-door meeting between the governor and legislative leaders to begin final negotiations, they emerged separately and spoke to the Capitol Press Corps. All parties agreed the meeting was brief, yet productive.

Lawmakers will consider passing a stand-alone bill to provide emergency funding for school safety enhancements in the wake of today's school shooting in Texas. Governor Dayton expressed urgency that a clean bill be passed quickly.

The tax bill has stymied over Governor Dayton's insistence that $138 million dollars be directed towards emergency school aid. The Governor also expressed concern over the long-term effects of the tax cuts as well as the lack of tax on repatriated income. Following Dayton's veto of the tax bill, it remains unclear whether lawmakers will present a tax conformity bill more in line with the Governor's goals.

Finally, earlier this year, the Dayton administration requested a capital improvements package of $1.5 billion dollars. While the House was able to pass its $825 million dollar bonding proposal, Senate DFLers offered no support, prompting the bill's failure in the Senate. According to Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, "We’re still working on the bonding bill… We’ll just have to figure it out."