ST. PAUL, MN – On Thursday, the Minnesota Senate passed a comprehensive state government finance bill that funds government operations and makes substantial reforms to state agency contracts, budgeting, information technology, and oversight. The bill also strengthens Minnesota’s ability to respond to cybersecurity threats.
The budget includes several provisions related to government reform and accountability, including a zero-based budgeting requirement that requires a more thorough review of state programs to determine their effectiveness before continuing funding. Additionally, the budget includes provisions making significant reforms to state contracts, limiting the fiscal impact and ensuring Minnesota does not spend beyond its means.
“As government bureaucracy continues to grow, the quality of product for taxpayers continues to lag,” said Senator Mike Goggin (R – Red Wing). “This bill prioritizes funding to hold departments accountable for the programs they deliver. We will not continue to fund systems that do not meet the needs of Minnesotans.”
Additionally, the bill includes funding for the state’s cybersecurity needs and election equipment, providing $20.5 million for cybersecurity and creating a new legislative commission on cybersecurity. Combined, these efforts fully fund Minnesota’s cybersecurity needs, preparing the state for potential cyberattacks and ensuring the state is taking necessary steps to protect Minnesotans in the future. Finally, the budget includes a sizeable investment for improvements to Minnesota’s elections systems, allocating funds to popular electronic poll books to assist our polling place workers to quickly register voters.
The state government budget also funds Minnesota’s constitutional offices and other government boards and commissions including Minnesota IT Services, the Department of Administration, Minnesota Management and Budget, the Department of Revenue, Minnesota Historical Society, and the Humanities Center. In total, the bill spends $876.2 million out of the state’s general fund over the next two years.