The Senate advanced the merged Omnibus State Government, Elections, Veterans and Transportation Policy and Supplemental Budget bill Monday by a vote of 40-26. The legislation falls short in addressing needs facing state agencies and imposes obstacles in the administration of Minnesota’s elections.
In response, Senator Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan), DFL-lead on the Senate State Government Finance and Policy and Elections Committee released the following statement:
“Despite Minnesota’s leadership in election administration and voting turnout, Senate Republicans are continuing their assault on the freedom to vote with today’s legislation. Instead of building on our successes, they continue to advance election conspiracy theories and support legislation that will only intimidate voters and election workers.
“I am also disappointed in the Senate Majority’s refusal to fund requests from the Attorney General’s office for assistance in criminal prosecution aid in counties throughout the state and for blocking the ability of the Attorney General’s office to contract with outside counsel when they need to.
“Furthermore, there is a blatant disregard for the protection and security of the private data of Minnesotans throughout this legislation. The private data of citizens must be protected, and this bill fails to do so.
“Finally, I must object to the redirection of federal funds from their intended use to strengthen the cyber security needs of municipalities. This is a misuse of these important funds and is no way for us to create budgets. Instead of redirecting critical federal funds, we could’ve stepped up with more robust state funding for our priorities.”
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