Republican legislative leaders and Governor Dayton appeared in a joint press conference Monday night to announce a compromise agreement on all areas of the two-year state budget. The final budget will deliver nearly one billion dollars of the state surplus to tax relief and new long-term funding for roads and bridges. The $660 million tax relief package will be the largest in nearly two decades, and the $300 million transportation investment will be the largest since 2008.

The 2017 legislative session will be one of the most productive in recent history once the budget bills have been passed and signed. Earlier legislative accomplishments include health insurance premium relief, health care reform, and a REAL ID driver’s license fix.

“We reached across the table and shook hands. This is how politics should work,” said Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka. “After a short special session, Minnesotans will soon benefit from an aggressive road and bridge funding package and the largest tax relief passed in nearly two decades.”

Five budget bills have already been passed and sent to Governor Dayton for his signature. The remaining five budget bills, and a bonding bill, will be passed in a short special session to take place on Tuesday, May 23.