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| Date: | May 17, 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 & PUBLIC SAFETY OMNIBUS BUDGET CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT |
St. Paul—“Tonight’s passage of the Judiciary and Public Safety budget conference committee report is another strong indication of our commitment to living within our means by prioritizing funding for core functions of government as outlined by our state constitution. We accepted nearly all of the House budget reductions while preserving the court budget and limiting a minimal impact on public safety services,” said Senate Judiciary & Public Safety Committee Chair Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove).
The Omnibus Judiciary and Public Safety budget bill for FY2012-13 passed in the State Senate with a vote of 36-28 on Tuesday. 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. This bill is the conference report after the House and Senate reconciled their differences in conference committee Monday evening. The Senate accepted nearly all of the House reductions and made some policy changes.
“The budget still maintains core services, while slightly improving the budget to public defenders. We recognized the effect that past reductions to the state courts have had on the efficiency of Minnesota’s judicial, public safety and corrections systems,” added Senator Limmer. “I want to thank my House counterpart Representative Cornish and the entire committee for their efforts. I encourage Governor Dayton to sign this budget that prioritizes spending while holding down our expenses.”
After passing in the Senate, the House will vote on the conference report. If passed, the bill will be sent to Governor Dayton for final consideration.
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