Legislative update by Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL)

Staff report

On Thursday, July 8 Rep. Rob Ecklund (O3A) published some highlights of the recent lengthy special session that was held to complete a two-year state budget.

Last week at the Capitol, the House concluded our special session to finish a new two-year state budget. The budget delivers important investments in students, families, workers, and small businesses to help all Minnesotans bounce back from an incredibly difficult year. Minnesota has the only divided legislature in the entire country, and while reaching a bipartisan agreement was difficult, people across our state have been counting on lawmakers to compromise so we can all have a stronger future. Here are some of the highlights.

“As the chair of the House Labor, Industry & Veterans Affairs Committee, I’m proud our compromise Jobs & Labor budget contains a variety of resources to help those who’ve struggled over the past year.

The budget invests $70 million in Main Street COVID-19 grants to small businesses harmed by COVID-19 – up to $25,000 – with the smallest businesses prioritized. The budget also delivers support for entrepreneurs, childcare providers, and tech startups.

To help meet statewide connectivity goals, the budget takes advantage of funding under the American Rescue Plan to invest $70 million over the next two years in high-speed broadband.

In the year 2021, it’s unacceptable that so many folks in Greater Minnesota still struggle to get online, and these investments will help students do coursework, businesses reach markets, health care consumers receive telehealth services, and families better stay in touch with one another.

The budget also includes significant support for workers through investments in apprenticeship programs, strengthened workplace safety, and expanded accommodations for new and expecting mothers.”

Other budget areas

“Overall, our bipartisan state budget agreement represents a major step forward to strengthen the way of life for all Minnesotans. Our E-12 Education budget delivered a historic per-pupil funding increase which will help students catch up on learning loss. Our Taxes bill will help deliver economic security for workers, families, and businesses, including measures exempting pandemic unemployment insurance benefits and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from state taxes. Our Housing budget delivers resources for both landlords and renters as the eviction moratorium – a critical step during COVID-19’s initial turmoil – winds down. The Health and Human Services budget makes strong investments in local public health – which communities across the state have relied on during the pandemic, rate increases for Personal Care Attendants, and other solutions to help more Minnesotans get the care they need including maternal health, dental services, and coverage for children with asthma. These are just a few examples, and House Public Information Services has summarized each of our other budget packages.”

The House now stands adjourned until January 31, 2022.