Legislature Passes Multiple Omnibus Finance Bills to Mixed Reviews

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The Minnesota House of Representatives passed five omnibus finance bills last week, which left Republican leaders more optimistic while DFLers were not as upbeat, according to a press release from nonpartisan Public Information Services.

The omnibus finance bills passed were for education, taxes, judiciary and public safety, higher education and agriculture.

In addition, the Minnesota Senate passed all of its omnibus bills with the exception of taxes and transportation, which should both be addressed this week, the release stated.

Leaders said they are about a month ahead of a typical budget year, according to Sen. Geoff Michel (R-Edina). However, House Minority Leader Paul Thissen (DFL-Minneapolis) said in the release, that two years ago budget bills were off the House floor in mid- to late-April and he also encouraged Republican members to work more with Gov. Mark Dayton in creating bills.

Here's what happened last week with bills authored and co-authored by Richfield's legislative representatives:

State Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Minneapolis)

• Co-authored a bill that gradually adjusts certain revenue-based filing fees beginning in fiscal year 2014. The bill was introduced on March 28 and referred to the Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee the same day.

State Rep. Linda Slocum (DFL-Richfield)

• Slocum was added as an author to a bill prohibiting the use and possession of of methyl methacrylate, which relates to cosmetology, March 28.
• Slocum was added as an author to a bill that appropriates money for family homeless prevention and assistance programs March 28.

State Sen. Ken Kelash (DFL-Richfield)

Kelash did not author or co-author any bills last week.