As the legislature works to assemble a final state budget agreement, Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) will serve on the conference committee for the judiciary and public safety budget bill. The conference committee, which includes five members of each legislative body, is responsible for working out a compromise on differences in the budget bills passed by the House and the Senate. 

“Protecting Minnesotans’ safety is one of the most important functions of state government. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to find common ground and have a serious conversation about how we accomplish that mission within our budget reality,” said Senator Lang. “I am optimistic we will reach an agreement on a budget that keeps the safety, security, and constitutional rights of Minnesotans a priority.” 

In April, the Minnesota Senate passed a $2.385 billion judiciary and public safety budget, which would fund the state’s judicial branch, corrections department, and public safety divisions. The budget included funding for additional corrections officers and security upgrades at the state’s correctional facilities, tougher penalties for sex offenders, protections for children against exploitation, and funding for security enhancements for organizations at-risk of violent extremism. Unlike the legislation passed by the House, the Senate bill did not include any gun control measures.

“In the end, we must reach an agreement; however, I will not compromise the constitutional rights of the Minnesotans I represent,” Senator Lang concluded.

Conference committees will begin meeting this week and will continue until an agreement is reached. After a conference committee has passed compromise legislation, both legislative bodies must vote to approve the agreement before sending it to the governor for a signature or veto. The legislature is constitutionally-mandated to adjourn by May 20.

Senator Andrew Lang, of Olivia, represents communities in Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Renville, and Swift counties in the Minnesota Senate.