As Minnesota lawmakers return to the Capitol, they face a high-stakes race against a May 19 deadline to pass the state’s budget. Major disagreements between the DFL and GOP, particularly over health and education spending, have created a tense atmosphere. With the clock ticking, legislators must find common ground on the state’s largest financial plans or risk a special session.
Deep Divides on Health Care Funding
Negotiations on the state’s health budget have exposed significant partisan differences. The House Health Finance and Policy Committee is working to find $225 million in cuts over the next four years, a task that has proven difficult for its bipartisan leadership, Rep. Robert Bierman and Rep. Jeff Backer.
A major point of conflict is the Senate’s proposal to raise fees on health plans to fund mental health services. House Republicans have firmly rejected this idea. “Our caucus is not interested in raising fees, taxes, revenues… whatever you want to put the name on it,” stated Rep. Backer, highlighting the GOP’s opposition to any new financial burdens.
The debate over providing health care for undocumented immigrants also remains a critical hurdle. Democrats warn that cutting this coverage will strain emergency rooms and increase long-term costs. Republicans, however, argue that eliminating the policy would save the state an estimated $74.6 million over two years. Despite the friction, Rep. Bierman remains hopeful for a compromise.
Competing Visions for Minnesota’s Schools
The future of education funding is another area where lawmakers are far apart. The House and Senate have presented wildly different budget proposals, creating a massive gap that needs to be bridged in the coming weeks. The House is pushing for an increase, while the Senate is proposing significant future cuts.
Here is a comparison of the current education budget proposals:
| Proposal Source | Funding Action | Amount and Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota House | Increase | $40 Million over the next two years |
| Governor Walz & Senate | Cut | Over $680 Million over the next four years |
The House’s proposed $40 million increase is intended to support the Minnesota READ Act, a new law focused on improving student literacy. Rep. Cheryl Youakim has championed this funding. However, some Republicans like Rep. Ron Kresha feel the amount is not enough to help schools navigate difficult budget years ahead. On the other side, Senator Mary Kunesh defends the Senate’s proposed cuts, explaining they are planned for the 2028-29 fiscal cycle to ensure long-term budget stability.
Infrastructure Projects Await Bonding Bill Agreement
After failing to pass a bonding bill last year, lawmakers are under pressure to fund critical infrastructure projects across Minnesota. This public works package is a top priority, but once again, the two chambers have different ideas on the appropriate size and scope.
Key points of the bonding bill discussion include:
- The Senate Democrats are aiming for a large package, potentially as high as $1.3 billion.
- The House is proposing a more modest bill valued at around $700 million.
Despite the difference in numbers, legislative leaders are optimistic. “There does appear to be a real desire to move on a bonding bill this year,” said Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy after a meeting with Governor Walz. However, leaders from both parties are eager to finalize a deal and avoid extending their work.
A Tense Race Against the Clock
With the May 19 adjournment deadline fast approaching, the pressure is mounting. The narrow partisan split in the state House has made reaching a consensus on any major issue a significant challenge. Lawmakers must now engage in intense negotiations to resolve their differences and pass a balanced budget for the state.
Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson emphasized the need to finish on time. “The state of Minnesota doesn’t need to be putting more money into a special session. Let’s get this done now,” he urged. As the final days of the session unfold, the ability of the GOP and DFL to compromise will determine whether they can successfully fund the state’s priorities.
