Legislative Update Issued by Minnesota State Rep. Mariani

Targeted News Service

ST. PAUL, Minn., May 23 -- The Minnesota House Democratic-Farmer-Labor Caucus issued the following legislative update by Minnesota State Rep. Carlos Mariani:

Dear Neighbors,

Minnesotans expect the legislature to get its work done on time, but that didn't happen. After walking away from negotiations and wasting weeks passing bills they knew Governor Dayton would veto, it appears as if legislative Republicans are finally willing to negotiate with him in good faith.

Last night, legislative leaders and Governor Dayton agreed to broad terms for a special session, which started at 12:01 a.m. today and will go until 7:00 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday morning). All session I've worked for a budget that invests in the things our community values, such as education, transportation, a clean environment, and policies that ensure everyone has an opportunity to succeed. Republicans dug in their heels and demanded more than two-thirds of the budget surplus be used for giveaways to insurance companies, shifting money away from public schools to private ones, and other bad priorities like tax cuts for big tobacco, corporations, and the wealthy. When you contrast that with the priorities I have along with fellow Democrats, it's easy to see why we're in a Special Session now.

I have great concerns about the details we are slowly discovering about the bills Republicans are bringing to the House floor now in the dark of night. The special session was an opportunity provided by the Governor for Republicans to put forward bills that invest in the things that make Minnesota a great place to live, but they are choosing to intentionally pass bills with harmful provisions that Minnesotans don't want. We have less than nine hours left and we haven't even seen all of these details yet, but I'll keep you updated as I continue working for our community here at the Capitol.

Sincerely,