On May 17th, 2021, the Minnesota Legislature adjourned without passing a two-year state budget. Earlier this morning, Governor Walz, Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Gazelka announced agreement on joint budget targets, an early step that allows each budget area to begin the work of negotiating specific budget items. A special session to pass budget bills will be required to prevent a full or partial shutdown of state government on July 1st.
Following adjournment, Senator Melisa Franzen (DFL- Edina) released the following statement:
“As the 2021 legislative session comes to a close, the lack of progress for Minnesotans is deeply disappointing. The joint budget targets announced today are a step forward, but the work remains unfinished for Minnesotans, in large part, because of the stalling tactics from Senate Republicans. Since the start of January, Senate Republicans have refused to listen to community members crying out for police reform, and in recent weeks, they have walked away from the table and threatened to defund state parks because they don’t want the Pollution Control Agency to control pollution.”
“As state legislators, we don’t have the luxury to pick up our ball and go home. I stand ready with every Senate DFL member to pass a state budget, to ensure PPP loans and UI benefits are forgiven, and to fully fund education so that every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of who they are, what they look like, or where they live.”
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