Statement from House DFL Leadership on budget negotiations

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Tonight, the House, Senate, and Governor’s office broke off talks without reaching agreement on budget targets. Governor Walz offered a $200 million move from his proposed general fund spending. House leadership offered to move to the Governor’s offer number, which is a $664 million reduction from the House general fund target, in exchange for the Senate making a $332 million increase in their general fund target. Senate negotiators offered to shift budget targets but offered a $0 increase in total general fund spending.

Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements:

“Minnesotans expect the Legislature to finish its work on time, and that’s why House DFLers proposed significant movement,” said Speaker Hortman. “It’s disappointing that Senate Republicans offered $0 in movement in return. It’s critically important for us to continue negotiating and agree to targets so we provide conference committees enough time to complete their work in public and end the legislative session on time, but we need the Senate to get serious about compromise.”

“We have limited time and deadlines to meet. House DFLers are ready to finalize a budget that improves health care, education, and economic security for all Minnesotans,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “It will be very difficult to complete this session on time and in an orderly fashion if Senate Republicans are unwilling to compromise at all. The House DFL offered a two-to-one compromise, and the Senate GOP offered nothing.”