Consenus in sight for $50 billion state budget

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Broad agreement on a state budget for the coming biennium has been reached, according to Senate and House leaders. Paul Gazelka, Republican Senate majority leader, and Melissa Hortman, Democratic House speaker, did not announce the bottom line for the agreement but it’s thought to be about $50 billion. The Legislature will need to reconvene in mid-June to finish the work on details. In interviews with Minnesota Public Radio, Gazelka and Hortman said they expect police accountability measures will be part of the final package, but, again, they declined to give details. One final hurdle, said Hortman, was how to spend $2.8 billion in federal Covid funds. About the police accountability loose end, Hortman said House proposals for police accountability will be in the hands of a joint House-Senate conference committee negotiating public safety parts of the budget bill. Apparently in limbo are House accountability provisions. Gazelka ruled out civilian oversight boards. He also ruled out weakening qualified immunity from prosecution for for using force.