(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by the Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer team).

I hope you have been able to enjoy the first few days of summer as it heats up! Personally, I can’t wait to get out on one of our beautiful lakes and enjoy some freedom.

It looks like I’ll have to hold off a bit, because things at the Capitol are still busy as ever! Gov. Walz is expected to call the Legislature back on Mon., June 14 to continue the work on the state budgets.

As the 2021 regular session ended in May, we knew we would have our work cut out for us in order to reach agreement in the two-year budget. As the Chair of the State Government Finance and Election Policy Committee, I have been in negotiations with the House for weeks, ensuring good policy and low government spending are some of the top priorities in this budget. While we do disagree on quite a few things, I am fully confident that we can cooperate for the betterment of Minnesota and fund our state without having to shut down the government.

Last week, Senate leaders proposed legislation to end Gov. Walz’s emergency powers, yet again, as they have been in effect for 15 months. The proposal would allow Walz to continue his oversight of testing and vaccination efforts, while ending outstanding emergency powers and executive orders. Over the past few weeks, we have seen Minnesota return to normal as the mandates have ended and local leaders have been given the freedom to decide what is best for their communities. The emergency is over, Minnesota is recovering, and we can do it all without being under the rule of one man.

As your Senator, know that I remain committed to fighting for your needs at the Capitol in any way I can. I encourage you to reach out to my office with any questions, comments, or concerns. My email is Sen.Mary.Kiffmeyer@Senate.MN or you can call me at 651-296-5565.