Fully funds state government for the next two years, prevents furloughs for 35k state employees in the event of a legislative stalemate

Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake) joined his fellow Republican Senate colleagues in passing legislation to fully fund state government for the next two years in the event of a legislative stalemate between the legislature and governor. Unlike previous continuing appropriations bills that funded government at reduced levels, this legislation will fully fund the state government at the current base level of funding for the entire two-year budget cycle.

“While we continue to work with the governor and House of Representatives to assemble a balanced state budget, this bill is only an insurance policy that allows state government to stay fully open after June 30th,” said Senator Westrom. “A government shutdown would put the livelihoods of 35,000 state workers in peril, not to mention possibly compromising essential services like prison guards, state police, and nursing homes. While that is a worst-case scenario, this bill prevents that possibility from ever occurring and I hope the House of Representatives and Governor Walz join us in passing this into law.”

In a recent 2017 Minnesota Supreme Court decision, the court ruled that “the plain language of Article XI, Section 1 of the Minnesota Constitution does not authorize the judiciary to order funding…in the absence of an appropriation.” This means that without a budget agreement, it is likely essential government services would cease, and the safety of all Minnesotans could be put in jeopardy. This legislation would prevent that scenario.

“From state parks closing, to rest areas being padlocked, to nursing homes without proper state reimbursements, this bill keeps Minnesota open,” added Senator Westrom. “We are simply keeping the government operating, taking pressure off Minnesota families who might receive furlough notices, and avoiding a DFL-led government shutdown.”