Steve Drazkowski for Minnesota House of Representatives

2011 Legislative Session Recap

The 2011 regular session of the legislature was followed up with a July special session that finally resolved the 2012-2013 biennial budget of the state. The $34.4 billion base budget spends 7.5% more than in the previous biennium.  The budget also included an additional $1.4 billion in one time authorized spending (not added to the base), accommodated by an amplification of the 30% education shift to 40%, and borrowing $640 million through tobacco bonds. Additionally, the deal that was reached included a bonding bill that borrows and spends $497 million on state infrastructure projects. In light of the fact that the state budget was … [Read More...]