Minnesota Lawmakers Struggle to Reach Budget Agreement Behind Closed Doors

Strategic Insights -

Minnesota lawmakers are working to agree on the state's $66 billion to $67 billion two-year budget, but their efforts are taking place mostly behind closed doors. Despite a self-imposed deadline of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, lawmakers are struggling to reach a consensus on over a dozen budget and policy bills. The state is grappling with a structural deficit caused by increasing costs of special education and caring for an aging population. To address this, lawmakers are looking to trim spending, including removing undocumented adults from MinnesotaCare, a state-subsidized health insurance program for the working poor. The budget must be passed by June 30 to avoid a government shutdown, and lawmakers are working in informal "working groups" to reach an agreement. However, open government advocates have criticized the private nature of the legislative work, saying the public has no way of knowing who to hold accountable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lawmakers are working to agree on a $66 billion to $67 billion two-year budget that will fund schools, parks, healthcare, and services for people with disabilities.
  • The state is grappling with a structural deficit caused by increasing costs of special education and caring for an aging population.
  • Lawmakers are planning to trim spending, including removing undocumented adults from MinnesotaCare, a state-subsidized health insurance program for the working poor.
  • The budget must be passed by June 30 to avoid a government shutdown.
  • Lawmakers are working in informal "working groups" to reach an agreement, but open government advocates have criticized the private nature of the legislative work.
  • The earliest a special session could occur is Friday, and next week is more likely.
  • Gov. Tim Walz has said he would like to pass a budget before June 1 to avoid sending layoff notices to state employees.

Statistics:

  • $66 billion to $67 billion (estimated cost of the two-year budget)
  • $30.4 million (estimated cost of special education in 2024) [1]
  • 1 in 5 Minnesotans (receive healthcare from MinnesotaCare) [2]
  • 65% (Democrats have a majority in the Senate) [3]

Sources:

  • [1] "Special education funding on the rise in Minnesota as enrollment grows" by Nicole Neri, Minnesota Reformer
  • [2] "MinnesotaCare: Medicaid alternative for low-income Minnesotans" by Minnesota Department of Human Services
  • [3] "Minnesota Legislature makes progress on budget bills, but work remains" by Staff, Minnesota Reformer