Supplemental budget bill approved

The House now has one big supplemental budget bill.

Approved by the House Finance Committee, HF1812, sponsored by Rep. Lyndon Carlson (DFL-Crystal), is a compilation of 11 supplemental budget bills put forth by various House finance divisions to rectify the state’s projected $938 million biennial deficit.

The bill is scheduled to be heard March 31 by the House Taxes Committee. The bills included are:
• Minnesota heritage, HF4063, sponsored by Rep. Mike Jaros (DFL-Duluth);
• Transportation, HF3805, sponsored by Rep. Bernie Lieder (DFL-Crookston);
• Agriculture, rural economies and veterans affairs, HF3981, sponsored by Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar);
• Housing and public health, HF3381, sponsored by Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Mpls);
• Environment and natural resources, HF4021, sponsored by Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Mpls);
• Energy, HF2305, sponsored by Rep. Bill Hilty (DFL-Finlayson);
• Public safety, HF4077, sponsored by Rep. Michael Paymar (DFL-St. Paul);
• State government, HF3987, sponsored by Rep. Chris DeLaForest (R-Andover);
• Higher education and workforce development, HF3722, sponsored by Rep. Tom Rukavina (DFL-Virginia);
• K-12 Education, HF2475, sponsored by Rep. Mindy Greiling (DFL-Roseville); and
• Health care and human services, HF3976, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL-Duluth).

Each finance division was given a target to meet by the House Ways and Means Committee, but it was up to the division to determine how to meet the target. Divisions could meet their targets by revenue changes, spending changes or transfers to or from other funds.