Local legislator comments on recent passage of House Omnibus Health and Human Services Budget Bill

The Minnesota House of Representatives recently passed its omnibus health and human services (HHS) budget bill, 70-62, following 11 hours of floor debate, and 30 attempted amendments. It was a straight party-line vote with all Democrats supporting and all Republicans opposing.  State District 27A Representative Peggy Bennett, a Republican from Albert Lea spoke with KAUS News following the passage of the bill, and she stated that, in her view, the bill was far too large, and contained too many controversial elements…

The 893-page bill allocates $348.5 million of new general fund spending in fiscal years 2021-2022 and $300.1 million in fiscal years 2023-2024 for the state’s HHS programs. A 10-person conference committee is now meeting to work out the differences between the House and Senate bills. They will need to complete their work before the May 17 adjournment date.