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| Date: | March 29, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Susan Closmore | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-5712 | | Contact Email: | susan.closmore@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| Senate Passes Judiciary and Public Safety Budget Bill |
St. Paul— Today the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety budget bill for FY2012-13 passed in the State Senate by a vote of 36-28. The legislation, Senate File 958, maintains funding for core services to the courts and increases the public defenders budget, which is a constitutionally required service. While in session Tuesday, Senate Republicans defeated six floor amendments totaling close to $20 million in fee increases introduced by DFL Senate members. The bill will be sent to the Governor for consideration, pending final passage of the House version of the bill and conference committee modifications as necessary. Senate Judiciary & Public Safety Committee Chair Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove) gave the following statement regarding the bill’s passage.
“Today’s vote in favor of the Judiciary budget is a strong indication of our commitment to living within our means by prioritizing funding for core functions of government as outlined by our state constitution. The budget maintains core services, while slightly improving the budget to public defenders. It fills a financial hole of $27 million in the Department of Corrections - Institutions budget, caused by an over-reliance of ‘one-time’ federal stimulus funding during the last budget cycle. In addition, no reductions were made to domestic abuse shelters and services in an effort to protect the most vulnerable Minnesotans,” said Senator Limmer. “We recognized the effect that past cuts to the state courts have had on the efficiency of Minnesota’s judicial, public safety and corrections systems. I’m thrilled that we were able to prioritize spending while holding down our expenses.”
