Legislators missed their self-imposed May 28 deadline to agree on specific spending details for each of the omnibus budget bills. Legislative leaders insist that all the working groups are meeting and that they are close to reaching agreements in some of the budget areas, but very few details have emerged from what continue to be talks held entirely in secret.
Thus far, only three working groups have released spreadsheets outlining the budget details for their respective areas: Higher Ed, Commerce & Energy and Legacy. We are pleased that the Legacy budget includes $520,000 for chloride source reduction and $15.9 million for the Public Facilities Authority’s Point Source Implementation Grant program. These items are top priorities for the CGMC’s environmental program.
As more working groups unveil their budget plans, you can find spreadsheets and other details on the Minnesota Legislature website at house.leg.state.mn.us/Schedules/workinggroups.
It is unclear what progress, if any, has been made on hot-button issues such as police reform or clean car rules. Gov. Walz has expressed hope that agreement can be achieved on policing, but Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka indicated that anything that is “anti-police” will not pass.
It remains to be seen whether the Legislature will meet its June 4 deadline for finalizing bill language (don’t hold your breath) or if they will be ready to vote on an agreed upon budget by June 14, the likely start date for the special session. In a recent statement, Gazelka indicated that once the Legislature convenes on June 14, they will stay in session until the budget is done.
If the budget is not finalized by July 1, significant portions of state government will shut down. This week, thousands of state employees received layoff notices, which are required a month ahead of a potential shutdown.
As always, CGMC will follow all the action at the Legislature and continue to advocate for the needs of our member cities as we head toward a special session.
