| Dear Friends, The 2021 legislative special session officially ended July 7, 2021. This past year has been incredibly difficult for all Minnesotans, but finally, we can see light at the end of the tunnel. As we began this legislative session, Minnesota faced some looming challenges, most a result of the pandemic. Coming out of a year of pandemic restrictions and economic upheaval, the Minnesota Senate republicans prioritized a balanced budget without raising taxes and ended Governor Walz’s Emergency Powers. After 15 months of emergency orders leading to one-man rule, both bodies of the Legislature voted to end Gov. Walz’s emergency powers. It is an honor to represent the amazing people of Dodge and Olmsted counties, and I look forward to the 2022 legislative session to work on additional investments focused on areas of the economy hardest hit and where we could make the most impact on getting more Minnesotans working so they can thrive.  Below is a brief summary of key provisions of the 2021 Legislative session:  Delivered On Tax Relief: Minnesota is already a high tax state, and with a large budget surplus and substantial stimulus money from the federal government, there was no reason to raise taxes on anyone. Instead, the tax bill provides nearly a billion dollars in tax relief to those we know were hardest hit during the COVID pandemic, along with targeted tax relief to job creators to get more Minnesotans back to work. Senate Republicans stopped Governor Walz and House democrats proposed raising taxes by over $1 billion, including the creation of a 5th tier income tax of 10.85%, a tax on capital gains, and corporate tax increases. Passed full Payroll Protection Plan fix to help employers who kept their employees on payroll through the pandemic Lowered taxes for those hardest hit by pandemic lay-offs by eliminating the taxes they would have paid on their COVID unemployment checks. Links to final tax bill spreadsheet: Agreement, Comparison / Language / Summary  Delivered On Public Safety: A major advancement included in the public safety bill is provision, I chief authored, which will close the “intoxication loophole” brought to light by a Supreme Court ruling that overturned a sexual assault conviction because the victim was voluntarily inebriated. I will consistently support stronger laws to combat sexual assault and to bring awareness to victims of sexual assault. Another notable bill included in the public safety bill, brought to me by John and Denise Klaus of Oronoco would add protections for confidential police informants now known as “Matthew’s Law.” This piece of legislation would help protect addicts in recovery when being used as a confidential informant, giving additional transparency and oversight. Other Key Provisions Included in the Public Safety bill: A comprehensive public safety bill that fully funds the courts and public safety agencies and included consensus policies to make Minnesotans safer. Efforts were stopped to defund, demoralize, and damage public safety officials across the state. Increased penalties for crimes against law enforcement, including stiffer penalties for attempted murder of a public safety officer and penalties for doxing a law enforcement officer. Links to the final Judiciary and Public Safety bill – Spreadsheet / Language / Summary  Delivered on Energy Minnesota has a reliable and affordable energy system and this bill maintains the system we have while making strategic investments in emerging technologies. This ensures Minnesotans can afford the energy needed to heat and cool their homes and businesses. As Chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, the Energy bill includes updates several renewable energy programs, including efforts to expand the use of renewable natural gas, increases to the Xcel’s Solar Rewards program, and creates the Solar for Schools program to provide energy for the schools and learning opportunities for the students. This will help schools save money on their utility bills so they can focus resources on students. The energy bill established an Energy Transition Office to support communities and workers impacted by closed energy facilities and establishing the Natural Gas Innovation Act.The energy bill also includes an extension of the Cold Weather Rule period by several weeks. To cover October 1 through April 30. A link to the Commerce & Energy – Spreadsheet / Language / Summary  Delivered On the Spending Of Federal Stimulus Dollars: The federal government sent Minnesota $2.833 billion in funds for COVID relief, and the Legislature will direct the spending of $2.3 billion. This is important because it made sure the money is spread throughout the state for maximum impact. Delivered to Help Minnesota’s Economy Grow: Measures were passed that will invest in Minnesota’s nation leading workforce with training programs, enhanced childcare availability, and significant investments in developing broadband across the state. Burdensome mandates and regulations on businesses were blocked. Minnesota’s businesses have been under immense pressure just to stay open over the last year. Links to the final Jobs and Economic Growth bill – Spreadsheet / Language / Summary Delivered On Investing In Roads And Bridges: Legislators put nearly $8 billion into improving our roads and bridges so we have safe roads and less congestion. Senate Republicans stopped the House DFL efforts to raise the gas tax by over $350 million over four years. Links to the final Transportation bill – Spreadsheet / Language / Summary  Delivered On A Students First Education Budget: Lawmakers passed the largest formula increase for local schools in 15 years – providing $1.1 billion dollars direct support to local schools instead of bureaucrats in St. Paul. Also, passed measures that invest in proven programs to improve literacy and math skills with a core focus on helping students thrive academically. Links to the final E-12 Education bill – Spreadsheet / Language / Summary Delivered On Health Care Policies That Keep Costs Low: Legislators came together to invest in policies that increase transparency and choice for health care consumers to help keep costs low. Plus passed extending reinsurance for a 5th year, assisting more folks with health care premiums. Links to the final Health and Human Services bill – Spreadsheet / Language / Summary Delivered On Strong Elections: Efforts to provide felon voting, automatic voter registration, and stifling free speech restrictions on those engaging in public debate did not make it through the legislature. While measures to tighten up and secure absentee ballot boxes and elections equipment to increase integrity and confidence in elections were passed. A link to the final State Government, Elections and Veterans bill – Spreadsheet / Language / Summary Delivered On Advancing The Dream Of Home Ownership: Legislators emphasized home ownership through streamlined regulations and investing in programs that increase home ownership instead of funding the status quo. The legislature ended Gov. Walz’s Eviction Moratorium by developing an off-ramp plan that connects those who need financial help with resources so housing providers can be made whole. A link to the final Housing Finance and Policy bill – Spreadsheet / Language / Summary  Delivered For Farmers and the Environment: Legislators agreed to invest in farmers in the fields instead of bureaucrats in St. Paul. We strengthened food processing networks, trusted farmers to manage their land, and invested in the next generation of farmers. Links to the final Agriculture bill – Spreadsheet / Language / Summary Delivered on fully funding state parks without raising any fees on watercraft: Legislators came together to provide resources to crack down on Aquatic Invasive Species, passed both the 2020 and 2021 Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources recommendations along with a complete Legacy Bill to preserve our outdoor heritage, provide clean water resources, and support the arts across Minnesota. Links to the final Environment bill – Spreadsheet / Language / Summary |
| ______________________________________________ Minnesota State Senate 3401 Minnesota Senate Building 95 University Ave W St. Paul, MN 55155 (651) 296-3903 sen.david.senjem@senate.mn |
