ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Legislature met the July 1 deadline, passing a two-year budget that prevented a government shutdown.

State Representative Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska) said in a press release that approving a budget for the next biennium was the Legislature’s top priority for the session.

“As a state lawmaker, you are tasked with weighing the pros and cons of each budget bill and determining the best way to vote for your district. When those bills contain dozens or hundreds of provisions, that can be a tall order.”

Torkelson said in transportation, the Legislature increased funding 22% above base without raising taxes or tab fees. The bill includes revenue for local roads and bridges and continues the Small Cities Assistance Program that provides revenue to towns to make street repairs.

The K-12 education funding bill was one of the key budget bills necessary to avoid a partial shutdown. Sen. Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls) said in a press release the education bill fully funded schools with the largest formula increase in 15 years — an increase of $1.1 billion over the next four years–with an emphasis on student literacy, mental health and supporting teachers of color without burdensome mandates.

The money will be sent directly to local school districts, allowing flexibility to spend on specific needs.

The greatest controversy this session was the budget funding public safety and the judiciary.

Community activists called for police accountability measures, but few were passed.

Torkelson and Dahms condemned efforts in bills they believed would make it more difficult for police to do their jobs.

That bill places limits on no-knock warrants and allocates money for body cameras for the Minnesota State Patrol, but also creates stiffer penalties for crimes for assaulting police officers. The bill is called the Officer Arik Matson bill, named after the former Waseca police officer shot in the head after responding to a call.

“These budget bills conclude a successful end to the special legislative session,” Dahms said. “We passed substantial tax relief for our small businesses while still investing in critical services like public safety and education. We stopped efforts to make the jobs of our law enforcement officers more difficult and ended Gov. Walz’s emergency powers.”

Torkelson said he was disappointed this work was not finalized during the regular session but was thrilled the legislature was able to put an end to the Governor’s Executive Powers.

“It’s good that the State of Minnesota now has a budget in place and move forward,” Torkelson said.