Continuing to make good on a commitment to pass the state’s budget in a timely manner, Sen. Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud) joined his Senate Republican colleagues Tuesday evening in advancing portions of Minnesota’s two-year budget. The Senate passed the following compromise conference committee reports: agriculture, state government and veterans, health and human services, environment and natural resources, and K-12 education.

“These budgets represent exactly what Minnesotans sent us here to do: work together and get things done,” said Sen. Relph. “Last month, we passed our initial state budget proposal earlier than any session in recent memory. We then joined the House in good faith negotiations with Gov. Dayton, but even after three weeks, the governor is nowhere near meeting us in the middle. As such, Senate Republicans must lead.”

The budgets reflect a serious compromise between the House and the Senate. In specific, the state government budget prioritizes our veterans through enhanced educational and job training opportunities, while creating a more efficient government through a reduction in the cost of state government operations. The education budget places more dollars in the classroom through an increase to the per-pupil formula and includes initiatives that encourage flexibility in early education and that our students are proficient in reading by third grade.

“Thirteen days remain in the legislative session and we are serious about finishing the work we were sent here to do. I am hopeful the governor will come to the table and work with us on getting a full budget signed into law. Minnesotans are counting on us,” Sen. Relph continued.

Sen. Relph, in his first term representing Senate District 14, represents St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta, and other communities in Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns counties. In addition to serving as vice chair of the Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee, Sen. Relph also serves on the conference committee for the judiciary and public safety budget.