Walz, legislative leaders announce bipartisan agreement to end session

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Gov. Tim Walz and legislative leaders have reached a bipartisan agreement on the budget to end the session.

“We are keeping a balanced budget, making targeted reductions, and focusing every dollar on core priorities: fiscal sustainability, critical infrastructure, and the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Walz.

It includes car tab relief, property tax cuts as well as funding to stabilize HCMC and critical access hospitals in the state.

Republican Speaker Lisa Demuth says this budget delivers on affordability for communities across the state.

House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson calls it is a strong step forward on important issues while working in divided government.

“We are keeping a balanced budget, making targeted reductions, and focusing every dollar on core priorities: fiscal sustainability, critical infrastructure, and the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Walz.

“With this budget, we’re delivering on affordability for communities across the state. This will help Minnesotans statewide afford their lives for years to come,” said Demuth.

“This was a hard-fought negotiation, and I’m damn proud to say we defended many of our most essential Senate positions, including property tax relief for homeowners and through direct support to counties, and funding to stabilize healthcare at HCMC and critical access hospitals around the state,” said Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy.

The session is scheduled to adjourn by the constitutional deadline of May 18.

The signed agreement can be viewed here.