May 21, 2019
LEGISLATURE ADJOURNS; MUCH WORK REMAINS
The 2019 Legislature adjourned at midnight Monday, meeting its constitutional deadline with much unfinished business. Despite a “global agreement” announced Sunday by Governor Tim Walz, House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, budget bills including hotly debated policy items remain unfinished.
While the outline of the agreement represents a wise use of state tax dollars – funding key state priorities and protecting taxpayers and Minnesota employers – many areas remain unresolved. A few items are completed or close to completion (higher education, K-12 education, agriculture, environment). Others remain unresolved either because of sheer scope or controversial provisions (health and human services funding, taxes, jobs and economic development).
The Legislature must conclude its work no later than June 30 when the new fiscal year for the state begins. Without budgets signed into law by the governor, a shutdown scenario would occur.
We continue to work with the Legislature and governor’s office to finalize key items critical to ensuring our business climate is competitive and the state is affordable for families and businesses. We expect further details outlining the parameters and timing of a special session in the very near future. We will keep you apprised of the outcomes of the special session when it is complete.
