On Saturday, the Minnesota Senate approved a bill to fund state government in the event of a legislative stalemate. The legislation, HF2032, fully funds state government operations at the forecasted level for the next two years. 

“As negotiations over the upcoming two-year state budget continue, we are also approaching our constitutionally-required adjournment date. We, as a legislature, have a responsibility to prepare for all possible scenarios – including the possibility of a lapse in funding,” said Senator Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls). “From public safety to agriculture to our state parks, Minnesotans depend on their state government for a whole host of services each and every day. This is responsible legislation that makes sure we keep Minnesota open.”

If a budget agreement is not reached by June 30, all state government funding would cease until a budget is passed. In 2017, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in The Ninetieth Minnesota State Senate, et al., v. Mark B. Daytonthat no legal mechanism exists to fund essential state government services outside of a legislative appropriation. As such, this legislation fully funds state government at the forecasted levels for the next two years – ensuring there is no lapse in funding for essential state government services.

The legislature is constitutionally-mandated to adjourn on Monday, May 20.

“While I am still hopeful legislative leaders and the governor can arrive at a compromise that meets the needs of all Minnesotans, we also must be prepared for anything. That’s what this legislation is all about,” Senator Dahms continued.

Senator Gary Dahms, of Redwood Falls, represents communities in Brown, Lac qui Parle, Lyon, Redwood, Renville, and Yellow Medicine counties in the Minnesota Senate. Senator Dahms serves as chair of the Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee and is an assistant majority leader.