Minnesota’s annual fishing opener is Saturday, May 15th …this is a treasured tradition that celebrates our state’s great angling opportunities and signals the beginning of summer!
The Minnesota Legislature wrapped up its last full week of the 2021 session. We are moving towards the Monday, May 17 deadline to have finalized a two-year balanced state budget. Currently, there are disagreements between Governor Walz, DFL controlled House, and Republican led Senate regarding budget priorities. This week, the Minnesota Senate and House Conference Committees continued to meet and negotiate the two-year state budget and policy issues.
Minnesota State Budget
The state of Minnesota has a projected $1.6 billion budget surplus—and our state is expected to receive $2.8 billion from the federal government pandemic relief package. The guidance clarifies that federal COVID-19 aid can be used to forgive Paycheck Protection Programs loans and pandemic unemployment payments at the state level, the Senate Republicans have sought this since the beginning of session.
Minnesota Taxes
Even with a projected budget surplus—Governor Walz wants to raise taxes (including a gas tax increase). Minnesota is already a high tax state, and we certainly should not be raising taxes when we have a large surplus and billions more coming from the federal government.
Governor’s Emergency Powers
Minnesota has been under Governor Walz’s Emergency Power’s for over a year—he announced lifting restrictions last week…however, it is not enough. Vaccines are being rapidly administered with great availability throughout the state. There is no reason for this one-man rule to continue—the pandemic emergency is over, and Minnesota deserves to be completely open.
Minnesota Mask Mandate Lifted
The CDC announced yesterday that anyone who is fully vaccinated no longer have to wear masks outside or inside, under most circumstances. This triggered the governor to lift Minnesota’s mask mandate, although, communities and businesses are allowed to require masks if they choose. Exceptions: Masks remain required if you are in a medical building, hospital, or long-term care facility, and on a plane or a bus. Schools will continue to follow state education department guidance that requires masks in school buildings until the end of the academic year.
RIDE THE RANGE is a partnership between communities…Cuyuna (Crosby), Giants Ridge (Biwabik), Redhead (Chisholm) and Tioga (Cohasset) on Minnesota’s Iron Range. It’s designed to bring you the best mountain biking in the Upper Midwest. In total, Ride the Range includes more than 100 miles of bike trails. Check it out: Ride The Range
Island-Loon Project is an excellent example of Crow Wing County Soil Water and Conservation Districts project protecting Big Trout Lake. Please Read the Story: Crow Wing County Protecting Big Trout Lake
Staying in Touch
If you’re looking to hear more from the Capitol, please like me on Facebook.
As always please feel free to contact my office with any questions you might have. My office can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4913 or at sen.carrie.ruud@senate.mn.
Talk to you soon!
Carrie Ruud