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

The Senate passed the State Government and Elections omnibus budget bill Monday, focusing on good governance, eliminating waste, promoting fair and free elections, and advancing support for Minnesota Veterans. 

This bill contains comprehensive funding for the two-year state government budget, which highlights the implementation of government efficiencies to rein in spending while continuing to function at its highest capacity. Improvements to election security will significantly increase integrity and transparency in Minnesota elections.  

“The goal of this budget is to place a velvet glove of protection over Minnesotans,” Senator Mary Kiffmeyer (R-Big Lake) said.  “Whether that be through keeping your personal information safe on the web, saving you from tax-dollar waste, or ensuring your vote is counted fairly, the Minnesota Senate is committed to efficient and fair operations.” 

 The implementation of provisional ballots is highlighted and prioritized in this budget. Minnesota is one of only three states in the nation that do not provide provisional ballots on Election Day. Provisional ballots are a safe, easy measure, broadly accepted across the nation, to ensure each vote is treated equally and counted in a timely manner. Provisional ballots also prevent ineligible individuals, such as those serving a felony sentence, non-U.S. citizens, or those who do not meet residency requirements, from participating in the election and marginalizing their neighbor’s ballots.  

This budget is also focused on eliminating government bloat by finding areas in the budget that have been misused, underused, or have become more efficient. It is important to continuously audit the government to ensure Minnesotans’ tax dollars are being well-spent. This section of the bill includes several provisions to fund the state government without going over budget, such as:  

• Limit the number of state employees based on the state’s population;

• Reduced funding to agencies for positions that are unfilled after 180 days;

• Equitable geographic distribution of state employee layoffs;

• Sale of unused state-owned COVID morgue in St. Paul.

The Veterans portion of the budget focuses on initiatives to improve services for Minnesota Veterans. These programs will expand availability for dental services in veterans’ homes, establish adult daycare programs, stable housing initiatives, and recognize Veterans Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day. Most notable, the Veterans Restorative Justice Act was included. 

Many veterans return from service with substance abuse and other health-related challenges that often result in criminal offenses. When these are treatable conditions and the offenses are narrow enough, this will provide the help needed to treat service-induced health issues. Funding these key services and programs for this important community of Minnesotans is a priority for the Minnesota Senate.

 “This is a well thought out bill that includes a number of provisions suggested by agencies and veterans’ organizations,” Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) said. “Our veterans have given so much to our country and state, I am proud we have come together to pass a bill that focuses on addressing their needs.”