Senate DFL agenda will lower costs, help workers, and support safe, thriving communities for all
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesotans will see lower prescription drug prices, safer communities, and investments in key industries to create good-paying jobs throughout the state thanks to the first five omnibus budget bills passed by the Minnesota Senate this week.
“Our budget bills reflect the values of Minnesotans, with strong investments that will reduce costs, provide stability, build an economy that works for all, protect our farmers, seniors, and students, and ensure safe, thriving communities,” said Senator Liz Boldon (DFL-Rochester). “We are investing significant resources to things that will help improve peoples lives, whether by connecting them with broadband internet or by keeping the costs of prescription drugs low. I’m proud of the budget we are building to improve the lives of Minnesotans.”
The Senate passed five budget bills this week, with highlights including but not limited to:
Agriculture, Rural Development, and Broadband (Passed Thursday)
- $100 million in broadband development
- $14 million for a Grain Indemnity Fund
- $5.5 million for Minnesota’s dairy industry
Commerce and Consumer Protection (Passed Friday)
- Establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to review increases in drug pricing and prevent exorbitant increases
- Helps protect students and seniors from predatory behavior
- Creates a study for free primary healthcare
Judiciary and Public Safety (Passed Friday)
- Invests in crime and violence prevention grants and Youth Intervention Programs
- Funds law enforcement recruitment and retention
- Reduces forensic evidence backlogs and provides state funding for sexual assault exams and victims of crime
- Increased funding for Minnesota Courts and Public Defenders
- Creates Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls office and supports the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives office
Jobs and Economic Development (Passed Saturday morning)
- $250 million in state funds to unlock an additional $500 million in federal funds through the CHIPS Act to grow the semiconductor industry
- $100 million for the PROMISE Act for low interest loans and grants for small businesses
- $15 million to recruit and retain childcare workers in Greater Minnesota
- $24 million for independent living facilities, including Southeastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living (SEMCIL)
Labor (Passed Saturday morning)
- Supports Minnesota’s workers through stronger protections for meat and poultry workers, banning non-compete agreements, workforce training and apprenticeships
- Stronger nursing home workforce standards to support senior care workers
- Expands accessibility for those with disabilities through universal/adult changing facilities in new public buildings
Additionally, Senator Boldon voted yes to replenish the state’s Disaster Contingency Account with $40 million in funding which will ensure immediate aid is available without the need of calling a special session.
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