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. There is also a provision requiring a freeze on full-time employee positions, allowing the state to recoup and redirect funding for vacant positions. Additionally, the budget includes provisions making significant reforms to state contracts, limiting the fiscal impact and ensuring Minnesota does not spend beyond its means.

“Operational reform for our government delivery system is my top priority. Our delivery systems are not functioning at the capacity we should expect,” said Senator Mark Koran (R – North Branch). “Continuing to grow government and it’s inherent bureaucracy without demanding accountability is not going to solve the issue. In this bill, we include provisions that will require programs and departments to function more effectively. Until we see greater value for each taxpayer dollar, we cannot continue to pour money into failing systems. I believe we can and should work to ensure that every tax dollar used, is earned.”

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 against potential cyber security attacks and ensuring the state is taking necessary steps to continue protection for Minnesotans now and into the future. Finally, the budget includes a sizeable investment for improvements to Minnesota’s elections systems, allocating funds to popular electronic pollbooks to allow 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 $878.4 million out of the state’s general fund over the next two years.