The Senate passed a State Government and Elections budget bill on Monday, focusing on good governance, eliminating waste, promoting fair and free elections, and advancing support for Minnesota Veterans. This bill contains comprehensive funding for the two-year state government budget, which highlights the implementation of government efficiencies to rein in spending while continuing to function at its highest capacity. Improvements to election security will significantly increase integrity and transparency in Minnesota elections.
“Minnesotans have endured a lot over the last year, and they expect state government to tighten its belt the same way they have,” said Senator Scott Newman (R-Hutchinson). “Republicans are funding critical programs while focusing on transparency, integrity, and accountability in our state government and in the conduct of our elections.”
The implementation of provisional ballots is highlighted and prioritized in this budget. Minnesota is one of only three states in the nation that do not provide provisional ballots on Election Day. Provisional ballots are a safe, easy measure, broadly accepted across the nation, to ensure each vote is treated equally and counted in a timely manner. Provisional ballots also prevent ineligible individuals, such as those serving a felony sentence, non-U.S. citizens, or those who do not meet residency requirements, from participating in the election and marginalizing their neighbor’s ballots.
This budget is also focused on eliminating government bloat by finding areas in the budget that have been misused, underused, or have become more efficient. It is important to continuously audit the government to ensure Minnesotans’ tax dollars are being well-spent. This section of the bill includes several provisions to fund the state government without going over budget, such as:
- Limit the number of state employees based on the state’s population
- Reduced funding to agencies for positions that are unfilled after 180 days
- Equitable geographic distribution of state employee layoffs
- Sale of unused state-owned COVID morgue in St. Paul
The Veterans portion of the budget includes The Veterans Restorative Justice Act, which aims to divert at-risk veterans toward probation and social service programs instead of jail time when they commit certain less-severe crimes.
“So many veterans find themselves in trouble with the law due to emotional, physical, or mental health struggles that may never have materialized but for their service,” added Sen. Newman. “Rather than throwing them in prison, we have a duty to make sure they get the treatment they need – treatment, I would argue, that we owe them. This provides a pathway to get them back on the right track.”
The bill also focuses on initiatives to improve services for Minnesota Veterans. These programs will expand availability for dental services in veterans’ homes, establish adult daycare programs, stable housing initiatives, and recognize Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day. There is also money for a Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs publicity representative, which will provide a voice for our veterans. Funding these key services and programs for this important community of Minnesotans is a priority for the Minnesota Senate.