On May 17, 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, a preliminary 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, DFL Assistant Minority Leader Foung Hawj (DFL-St. Paul) released the following statement:
“Throughout this session, the Senate DFL showed up, ready to work, on behalf of Minnesotans. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans continued to bring forth legislation that was partisan in nature and did nothing to get us closer to a budget that works for all Minnesotans across the state,” said Senator Hawj. “Senate Republicans continued their stalling tactics in the Environment and Natural Resources omnibus conference committee by threatening to shut down our beautiful state parks if they do not succeed in stopping the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency from passing clean car standards. Throughout the pandemic, Minnesotans relied on our state parks to help get them through some challenging times and to use them as a bargaining chip in budget negotiations is not how the Senate should be doing business.”
“As state legislators, we should be negotiating in good faith and not be making threats that could have drastic impact on many Minnesota lives. We have a job to do, and Minnesotans deserve better. When we return for a special session to complete our work, I am committed to working with my colleagues to pass an equitable budget and policies that will support Minnesotans now and in the future.”
Learn more about Sen. Hawj.
Read more news from Sen. Hawj.
