Legislation will ensure continued funding for Minnesota’s critical services

On Friday, the Minnesota Senate voted to pass legislation to keep state government funded as a contingency in the event of a legislative stalemate between the Senate, House, and Governor. Unlike previous continuing appropriations that only funded 90% or 95% of the current budget, this proposal would fund state government at the forecasted level for the next two years.

Following the passage of the bill, Senator Dan Hall (R-Burnsville) released the following statement regarding the continuing resolution:

“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.”

In The Ninetieth Minnesota State Senate, et al., v. Mark B. Dayton, the Minnesota Supreme Court wrote:

“The language of Article XI, Section 1 of the Minnesota Constitution is unambiguous: ‘No money shall be paid out of the treasury of this state except in pursuance of an appropriation by law.’ The purpose of this provision in Article XI is “to prevent the expenditure of the people’s money without their consent first had and given.” In the face of this unambiguous language, we have declined to order funding, even in circumstances where constitutional rights are at stake.”

“…Article XI, Section 1 of the Minnesota Constitution does not permit judicially ordered funding for the Legislative Branch in the absence of an appropriation.”