| For Immediate Release | For more information contact: |
| June 15, 2001 | Jon Peterson (651-296-5989) |
(ST. PAUL) The first week of the special session saw slow progress on budget negotiations as House and Senate tax conference committee members met to discuss the key sticking point to an agreement: long term property tax reform.
"On May 25, House Republicans, Senate Democrats and Governor Ventura shook hands on a budget agreement that provided landmark property tax reform which treated all homes fairly, returned the entire 2001 tax surplus, and contained a significant increase in funding for our schools," said Rep. Stanek. "Since then, the Senate has backpedaled, trying to re-negotiate the agreement. If all the parties would stick to the accord, the special session could end quickly."
House and Senate negotiators resumed their discussions on Thursday evening, meeting late into the night and again on Friday. Rep. Stanek said that while there is a renewed willingness by all parties to come to the bargaining table, it is unlikely that any breakthrough will happen soon. He added that this is the beginning of a multi-day process, involving more details of the property tax reform plan.
Rep. Stanek serves District 33B in the House of Representatives. He is the chair of the Judiciary Finance Committee and also serves on the Crime Prevention Committee, the Civil Law Committee and the Ways and Means Committee.
###