Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update
The 2017 legislative session is over. In spite of a $1.65 billion surplus, the Legislature went into overtime and had a four-day special session last week. Governor Dayton called legislators into special session after reaching an agreement on the framework to complete the state budget. Unfortunately, the Republican legislative majorities took several days (and nights) to finish drafting the budget bills. Worse, throughout the four days of the special session, Republicans continued to ignore Governor Dayton’s requests that controversial policy provisions be removed from budget bills.
When the regular legislative session ended at midnight Monday, May 23rd, 70% of the major budget bills were unresolved including education, health and human services, and state government finance. A proposed package of tax legislation also stalled, as did a bonding bill to address infrastructure needs statewide.
In special session, the remainder of the budget bills were passed, but the bills contained controversial provisions that don’t match Minnesota values. In addition to the controversial policies they included, Republicans chose to prioritize tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy, instead of investing in education and a better economy for all Minnesotans.
Education was the biggest disappointment of the session. The Republican majority chose to underfund E-12 schools and higher education and chose to cut pre-K despite a budget surplus. Only after Governor Dayton and DFLers insisted did Republicans increase the funding for schools somewhat. Given the budget surplus, it is inexcusable that the Republican legislative majorities chose to pass education budgets that will result in cuts at primary and secondary schools, and will lead to increased tuition. Investing in education should be our top priority – Minnesota’s working families deserve excellent public schools and affordable college.
The new Republican legislative majorities in St. Paul governed with a style similar to what we’re seeing in Washington, D.C.: an unwillingness to listen to the public or to compromise and consistently blaming outside forces for their failures rather than taking responsibility for their own actions. Minnesotans expect legislators of all parties to work together and the Legislature to get its work done on time.
It was disappointing Republicans repeatedly walked away from the negotiating table rather than compromise with Governor Dayton. As a result, as we left St. Paul in the wee hours of May 26th, it was not at all clear whether Governor Dayton would sign the budget bills. Republican leaders drafted the budget behind closed doors with no public input, and only allowed limited input from Governor Dayton.
Budgets are a reflection of values, and we should invest in what has made Minnesota’s economy strong in order to build a better future for everyone. While this year’s session could’ve delivered better results for Minnesota families, I will continue to work hard for better results for Minnesotans next year.
Save the date: Capitol Grand Opening
After four years and a $310 million restoration, the Minnesota State Capitol is now open to the public. Our beautiful Capitol has been returned to its former glory and is ready for the next 100 years.
To invite Minnesotans back to the People’s House, there will be a Grand Opening Celebration on August 11, 12, and 13. The celebration will have something for everyone – fireworks, concerts, demonstrations by the artisans that worked on the restoration, behind the scenes tours, and much more. With featured events to entertain Minnesotans of all ages from all corners of the state, the Grand Opening weekend will be educational, interactive, and fun. Most of the events are free, or offered at a very low cost.
Please mark your calendars and plan to celebrate the People’s House this August.
For detailed information on the weekend, please visit us at mn.gov/mymncapitol or connect with us by Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman