Legislation will ensure continued funding for Minnesota’s critical services

Senator Dan Hall (R-Burnsville) joined his Minnesota Senate colleagues in passing the “Keep Minnesota Open” bill to fully fund state government for the next two years in the event of a legislative stalemate. Unlike legislation previously passed this session by the House of Representatives that will only reimburse state employees for time missed time during a government shutdown, the Senate approach avoids that scenario completely by keeping the government open for all Minnesotans.

Following the passage of the bill, Senator Hall released the following statement:

“It’s always good to have a backup plan, and in now if current budget negotiations fall apart, we have a contingency that prepares us for the situation where our legislative leaders fail to reach a deal on our state’s two-year budget. While not the optimal solution, this responsible plan looks out for Minnesotans by preventing a shutdown and ensuring that critical services continue.”

If a budget agreement is not reached by June 30, all state government funding would cease until a budget is passed. In 2017, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled in The Ninetieth Minnesota State Senate, et al., v. Mark B. Dayton that no legal mechanism exists to fund essential state government services outside of a legislative appropriation. As such, this legislation fully funds state government at the forecasted levels for the next two years – ensuring there is no lapse in funding for essential state government services.

The legislature is constitutionally-mandated to adjourn on Monday, May 20.