Rep. Laurie Pryor (48A) – Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
We are currently in day four of what was to be a one day special session to finish work on the state budget. After a few “extra innings,” so to speak, it looks like we may conclude the session today.
Late Monday night a framework for an agreement was reached between Gov. Dayton and Republican legislative leaders, and a commitment was made to finish the work by 7:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. This was clearly overly optimistic as the health and human services bill was finally released just this afternoon. Monday night, the Tax and E-12 education bills were passed, yesterday we passed a transportation bill, and left on the to-do list are HHS, state government finance, and bonding bills.
While a broad outline of the state budget was agreed to, there are many details contained within each of these bills that needed to be hashed out. This has required some intense negotiation, and we have been reminded that compromise is hard. I’ve been looking at each of these bills on a case by case basis and even in this late state, I’m committed to doing what I can to ensure our state moves forward in a way completely in line with our values, like strong education, quality health care, and long-term funding for roads, bridges and transit.
I’m hopeful that work can finish soon. Please continue to stay in touch with your input.
Sincerely,
Laurie Pryor
State Representative