On Tuesday, the Minnesota Legislature convened for the 2020 legislative session at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. The legislative session must adjourn by May 18, 2020.

“I’m glad to be back at the State Capitol for another year serving the people of District 17. Our budget surplus – currently estimated at around $1.3 billion – will allow us to consider proposals to put some of that money back in the pockets of the taxpayers,” said Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia), vice chair of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee. “I expect there will be a serious discussion on how to move forward in terms of tax relief for farmers, families, and small businesses, the costs of health care and prescription drugs, and a capital investment bill that invests heavily in infrastructure like wastewater treatment, roads, and bridges.”

Last month, Senate Republicans released their Vision 2020 agenda, which will be used to guide the Senate majority’s priorities during the session. The legislature is expected to consider a capital investment bill, a supplemental budget, tax relief, and more. In addition, the Senate is expected to consider measures related to health care costs, public safety, roads and bridges, public infrastructure, and other areas.

“My priority for the upcoming session is to represent the interests of District 17 and the citizens that live there – and those constituents have been telling me to lessen the burden on taxpayers, protect the Second Amendment, and stand up for rural Minnesota. That’s what I’m going to do,” said Senator Lang.

Senator Andrew Lang, of Olivia, represents Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Renville, and Swift counties in the Minnesota Senate. He serves as vice chair of the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee.