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| Date: | July 14, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Michael Brodkorb | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-4184 | | Contact Email: | michael.brodkorb@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| REPUBLICAN LEGISLATIVE LEADERS REACH BUDGET AGREEMENT TO END STATE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN WITHOUT RAISING TAXES |
(St. Paul)-- Republican Legislative Leadership met with Governor Dayton today for over three hours and agreed to a conditional budget offer to end the longest state government shutdown in recent history. The budget deal reached spends $34 billion from the General Fund, without raising taxes.
“The budget agreement in place does not raise taxes, makes targeted reductions in eight budget areas and slows the exponential growth of state spending,” said Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch (R-Buffalo).
“Republicans have said all along that we do not need a tax increase to balance the budget and today Governor Mark Dayton agreed,” said Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers (R-Maple Grove). “The best thing we can do to improve Minnesota’s economy and create jobs is keep the tax burden down. We appreciate Governor Dayton’s willingness to compromise in the best interests of the state of Minnesota. Our agreement today will result in a budget that is balanced without tax increases and a state that is back to work.”
“I am pleased that we were finally able to come together with Gov. Dayton and agree to a plan that gets Minnesota moving again,” said Senator Koch. “This government shutdown had a rippling effect of individuals, families and businesses all over Minnesota. Having an agreement in place is a certain sign of relief for those most adversely affected by the shutdown.”
Speaker Zellers and Senate Majority Leader Koch expect to finalize details of the agreement over the next few days and have bills ready for a Special Legislative Session as early as next week.
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