The Senate passed the State Government and Electionsomnibus budget bill on Monday, focusing on good governance, eliminating waste, promoting fair and free elections, and advancing support for Minnesota Veterans. This bill contains comprehensive funding for the two-year state government budget, which highlights the implementation of government efficiencies to rein in spending while continuing to function at its highest capacity. Improvements to election security will significantly increase integrity and transparency in Minnesota elections.  

“Senate Republicans are committed to ensuring that government services are delivered as efficiently and effectively as possible,” Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) said. “This budget ensures that Minnesota’s state government lives within its means while also focusing on election integrity and data protection.”

The implementation of provisional ballots is highlighted and prioritized in this budget. Minnesota is one of only three states in the nation that do not provide provisional ballots on Election Day. Provisional ballots are a safe, easy measure, broadly accepted across the nation, to ensure each vote is treated equally and counted in a timely manner. Provisional ballots also prevent ineligible individuals, such as those serving a felony sentence, non-U.S. citizens, or those who do not meet residency requirements, from participating in the election and marginalizing their neighbor’s ballots.  

This budget is also focused on eliminating government bloat by finding areas in the budget that have been misused, underused, or have become more efficient. It is important to continuously audit the government to ensure Minnesotans’ tax dollars are being well-spent. This section of the bill includes several provisions to fund the state government without going over budget, such as:  

• Limit the number of state employees based on the state’s population
• Reduced funding to agencies for positions that are unfilled after 180 days
• Equitable geographic distribution of state employee layoffs
• Sale of unused state-owned COVID morgue in St. Paul
• Restore and repatriate the Christopher Columbus statue to the Capitol grounds

The Veterans portion of the budget focuses on initiatives to improve services for Minnesota Veterans. These programs will expand availability for dental services in veterans’ homes, establish adult daycare programs, stable housing initiatives, and recognize Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day. There is also money for a Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs publicity representative, which will provide a voice for our veterans. Funding these key services and programs for this important community of Minnesotans is a priority for the Minnesota Senate.

“We’re also placing an emphasis on supporting Minnesota’s many veterans,” Senator Ingebrigtsen continued. “Regardless of at what point our veterans are at, it is our duty to make sure that they receive support, treatment, and the care they need to have the best opportunities in life.”