First Omnibus Bill Signed by the Governor

The House and Senate passed the Conference Committee report on the Omnibus Agriculture Bill on Thursday. The House voted 107-20 in favor of the bill, and the Senate passed it 52-9. HF1039/SF1016 appropriates $76.8 million from the General Fund. Provisions include a one-time increase in funding to hire more retail food-handler inspectors. Of all the omnibus bills, this is the one that most closely matched the Governor’s recommendations, and he signed it into law today.

Governor’s Tax Bill Gets Taxing Hearing

When offered the chance, 42 people requested the opportunity to testify on Governor Dayton’s tax proposals. In the time allotted during the hearing in the Tax Committee, chaired by Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston), there were only three people able to testify. The hearing once again showcased the significant gap between Governor Dayton’s position in support of tax increases and the Republican’s stand of “no new taxes.” The packed hearing room included one audience member who continually made inappropriate outbursts. The Chair ultimately requested the Sergeant at Arms remove the individual from the hearing. The bill was laid over and Chair Davids stated he intended to take the bill up again after the Easter break. The bill’s companion, SF925, authored by Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville), awaits action by the Senate Tax Committee.