Mid-Session Update
The 2009 Legislative Session is at its mid-point and the Legislature continues work to finish the job of balancing the state’s budget before the constitutionally mandated deadline in May. The Senate and House set their budget targets earlier this year than any year in recent memory, and the Legislature is positioned to finish this session on time, with a budget that is balanced and fair to Minnesotans.
To address the financial crisis affecting the state, the Senate DFL has taken the fiscally responsible approach to solving the state’s $6.4 billion budget deficit. The Senate’s proportional solution is the fairest and most equitable of the plans put forward to deal with the deficit, and it best positions the state for new investments once the economic storm is weathered. Additionally, unlike the Governor’s proposal that leaves the state $2.6 billion in deficit in 20011, the Senate solution provides for a balanced budget for the state through 2013.
The plan calls for a 7% proportional cut for each of the budget areas; however, those reductions are softened by federal funds in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 in key areas, including education, public safety, and health care. Reductions in education are further eased by the elimination of several mandates that will free up resources to allow school districts to reinvest those dollars back into the classroom.
While balancing the budget is the primary focus of this session, the Legislature is also moving forward on many issues of importance to Minnesotans. Several bills that address a variety of issues have already been signed into law the Governor. Those bills extend unemployment benefits, ensure that any budget passed by the Legislature and enacted by the Governor be balanced for the long term, and provide tax relief to Minnesotans. The Senate has passed several bills to create jobs in the state, including a bonding bill with a focus on creating jobs now by fixing the state’s infrastructure and investing in flood mitigation. A Mandate Reduction Bill designed to eliminate duplicative or unnecessary government regulations has also passed the body.
There is still much to be done in the 2009 Legislative Session and cooperation has never been more important to our state as we face unprecedented difficulties. The Senate will continue its bipartisan tradition and collaborate with the House and the Governor to guide our state through the rough times ahead and to a stronger and more prosperous future for all of us.
