Rep. Spencer Igo: Complete State Budget Approved During Special Session
St. Paul, MN — The Minnesota House finalized the state’s full two-year budget during a special session on Monday. Rep. Spencer Igo (R - Wabana Township) highlighted that the negotiation process was marked by bipartisan cooperation which produced bills with provisions desired by both parties.
Due to delays during the regular session, the special session became necessary to complete budget work before the new biennium begins on July 1st.
“This session presented real challenges with a tied House and a single-vote Democrat majority in the Senate,” Igo said. “Despite that, we stayed focused and delivered a responsible budget that protects taxpayers and supports our communities. House Republicans came to work every day to get this done.”
After two years of one-party control at the Capitol, Igo said the new budget reflects the beginning of a return of balance in St. Paul. He pointed to the previous biennium, where Democrats spent the $18 billion surplus, increased state spending by nearly 40 percent, and raised taxes by $10 billion. In contrast, this year’s final budget reins in spending and directs resources to areas that make a meaningful impact.
“This budget also delivers key wins for the Iron Range,” Igo said. “We secured an extension for miners on unemployment insurance, pushed back against harmful permitting delays, and brought balance to policymaking. I am also pleased that a bonding bill was passed. Although it is just a start, it is a step in the right direction towards what Minnesotans across the state needed this session. It’s a real improvement over what we’ve seen in recent years.”
“I am proud of the work we accomplished this session,” Igo continued. “We delivered a balanced budget that respects taxpayers, gives people a hand up, and puts Minnesota on a stronger path forward. I will keep working to make sure the needs of our region are front and center at the Capitol.”
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