Says State and Local Government Bill Reinvests in Core Functions of Gov’t; Elections Budget Makes Voting Easier, More Accessible for Minnesotans
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis) said the Senate has passed a combined State and Local Government budget, and Elections budget bill that ensures Minnesotans receive the high quality of government services they need and will make voting easier and more accessible for people across the state. The measure, which has already passed the House, will now move to the Governor to be signed into law.
Majority Leader Dziedzic said the $1.6 billion State and Local Government portion of the budget, authored by Senator Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) will ensure Minnesotans receive the timely, quality services they deserve from their state government. The budget makes major investments in technology and cybersecurity and consumer protection, protects taxpayer money from waste and fraud, and represents a commitment of openness to our state’s diverse demographics and communities.
Majority Leader Dziedzic said the $10 million Elections budget, authored by Sen. Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan), will invest in Minnesota’s elections, strengthens our democracy, and expands voter access across the state.
“The State and Local Government budget invests in making state and local government more efficient and accountable to Minnesotans as it provides the quality essential services that people across the state expect. It insists that taxpayer money is spent wisely, cracking down on waste and abuse, while ensuring that government has the ability to protect consumers and act on their behalf,” said Majority Leader Dziedzic. “The Elections budget will expand voter turnout by making voting easier, it protects election workers from intimidation, and it makes polling places more accessible to voters with disabilities.”
“With the State and Local Government budget bill, we are restoring our government’s budget after years of underfunding,” said Senator Murphy. “This is such a good bill for Minnesotans, and they can expect a government that is more functional, modern, efficient, equitable, innovative, and accountable to the people it serves because of it.”
“In Minnesota, we are known for voter access and participation,” said Senator Carlson. “This bill reaffirms our commitment to improving our elections by growing voter turnout by expanding access and convenience to voters. We ensure that voters have the opportunity to cast their ballot at a time and place which works best for them. It responds to the urgency to protect Minnesota’s trusted elections and the Minnesotans who run our elections. This bill is a great step towards a more inclusive democracy.”
###
Learn more about Sen. Dziedzic.
Read more news from Sen. Dziedzic.
