×

Minnesota’s leaders conclude budget pact

Minnesota lawmakers did not meet the deadline Monday to wrap up the legislative session, but they have managed to put together an agreement on a $46 billion state budget. So, a couple days of overtime that are deemed a “special session” will conclude this morning with the final budget. Not a perfect outcome timing-wise, but not bad for government work.

Yes, lawmakers should have been able to get their work done in the five months they spent in St. Paul. But the end-of-session pressure seems to be about the only thing that can bring together the Republican-led Legislature and Gov. Mark Dayton, a Democrat. To be sure, they had real differences. But also not real, given that Republicans proposed a $45 billion budget and Dayton wanted to spend just $1 billion more.

In the end, everybody got something they wanted, and things they didn’t. Republicans fought for assorted tax relief and got $660 million worth. Dayton has been adamant about expanding a preschool program and got $50 million for it. And everybody in the state got $1 billion worth of public construction projects, including lots of road and bridge work — without higher gas taxes or license tab fees.

We would suggest it is instructive to note that Minnesota is expected to approve a two-year balanced budget. Leaders looked at revenue, prioritized spending and reached a compromise that lives within the state’s means. It was a political struggle, to be sure, but not unsolvable. Our federal government should take a lesson. There is no reason — short of armed conflict — for it to continue to live in the unreality of budget deficits and a soaring national debt.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

Starting at $4.65/week.

Subscribe Today