Senate Republicans voted today to keep Minnesota open today as budget negotiations are on-going. The bill would fund government at the forecasted rate (a 4% increase and $1.9 billion more than last year’s budget) and without cuts to any agency, department, or program.

“We needed to vote on this bill to tell Minnesotans that we will keep government running at normal levels until we get a new budget passed,” said the bill’s author Senator Roger Chamberlain (R- Lino Lakes). “Minnesotans are counting on us to get the job done, and in case we don’t, they are counting on us to keep Minnesota open. Park access, public safety, school programs, licensing, and health and human services will all continue under this budget, and that’s important for people to know.

“Many people are worried about the last shut down that threatened their vacations, their marriage licenses, and yes, even their beer deliveries,” added Senator Karin Housley (R- St. Mary’s Point). “We are here to make sure that won’t happen again. The House needs to pass, and the governor should sign this bill to keep Minnesota open so we can continue working on a new budget while Minnesotans enjoy the same level of service they expect,” Housley concluded. 

Previous legislatures have typically funded basic operations or reduced funding during budget disputes. However, House File 2032 creates a budget from the projected amount of funding necessary based on inflation and revenue collection to keep Minnesota open for everyone.