The Minnesota House and Senate continue debating and voting on major budget bills before Wednesday’s self-imposed deadline to have them all passed. After the House votes on a transportation funding package including a gas tax increase, they’ll then take up a public safety budget bill. That’s particularly controversial because it includes Democrats’ plan for background checks on all gun sales, plus a “red flag” law to keep weapons out of the hands of those who pose a danger to themselves or others. Expect wrangling during upcoming debate on the House higher education omnibus budget bill. It’s because of Democrats’ delay in scheduling a joint floor session with the Senate to elect several new members to the U-of-M Board of Regents.
Over in the Minnesota Senate, vigorous debate is likely on the big-dollar health and human services funding bill. Health care is a major issue there. And the upcoming tax bill vote will also likely be contentious.