Minnesota Weekly Legislative Update: 05/24/2016

When the 2016 Minnesota Legislative Session was adjourned sine die at midnight on Sunday, May 22, legislators had sent a $259 million Omnibus Tax Bill and a $182 million Supplemental Appropriations Bill to Governor Mark Dayton. The other two major bills of the Session, the Transportation Funding Bill and the Bonding Bill, did not receive legislative approval. The Bonding Bill was adopted by the House just prior to the midnight deadline, but a controversial Senate amendment dealing with transit funding could not be resolved prior to adjournment.

Governor Dayton has announced that he will make a decision regarding signing or vetoing the Omnibus Tax and Supplemental Appropriations bills during the next 48 hours. Some legislators would like the Governor to call a Special Session to pass a Bonding Bill. The Governor is also considering a Special Session.

Transportation funding legislation was a high priority for the Governor and the Legislature. However, House Republican opposition to funding for light rail transit and a gas tax increase proved difficult to overcome. Transportation funding will likely be an important issue during the 2016 campaigns.

We will be sending out a comprehensive wrap up of the 2016 Minnesota Legislative Session soon.