On Monday, State legislative leaders and Governor Tim Walz announced a framework for a bipartisan budget agreement that doesn’t raise taxes on Minnesotans and limits the Governor’s ability to spend the federal funds received due to COVID. The deal includes a significant tax relief proposal that will include full tax relief for forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans and pandemic unemployment benefits.

“This session, the Senate has fought hard to safely reopen our schools and businesses and put our economy on a path to recovery,” Senator Bill Weber (R-Luverne) said. “We stood up for Minnesota families and ensured that we secure a balanced budget without raising your taxes. We stopped a new gas tax, prevented a new income tax, and ensured relief got to where it needed to be. While we still have some work to do on the spending priorities and policy provisions, we will continue to support Minnesota families and their communities.”

The agreement gives lawmakers in the key conference committees until June 4 to wrap up spending priorities and policy provisions, with a special session to pass the final bills to occur around June 14. During that time Senate Republicans will continue to advocate for Minnesota Priorities, including education, transportation, and healthcare, while pushing for investments in public safety and the end of Governor Walz’s remaining emergency powers.