Appropriations Bill Passes House

Knoblach Passes Appropriations Bill—

Bi-Partisan AND Less Than Half the Spending Called For By Governor and Senate
Targets Sex Offenders
Creates Team to fight Internet child pornography
Includes Veterans Assistance
Pandemic Flu Preparedness Included
Two Major Pro-Life Provisions
Eliminates In-State Tuition For Illegal Aliens

ST. PAUL – Legislation appropriating an $88 million (Less than half the amount asked for by the Governor and the Senate!) state budget increase ($73.7 million—84 percent—to target sex offenders) was approved May 1 by the Minnesota House of Representatives. The deficiency and supplemental appropriations bill (HF4162) includes a $317 million provision to be used for tax relief.

The legislation puts an end to taxpayer funding of abortions in Minnesota; and, improves reporting of abortions that are permitted in Minnesota.

This bill replaces legislation that was to include in-state tuition for illegal aliens. This bill does not fund in-state tuition for illegal aliens.

“This bipartisan bill addresses the changes that have occurred since our last budget was implemented,” said State Rep. Jim Knoblach, author of the resolution. “At less than half the spending increases called for by the Governor and the Senate, This is a responsible bill in a non-budget year.”

The bill deals with deficiencies; emergency situations; future projected deficiencies; and modifications in order to comply with a federal mandate.

“This resolution completes our state’s turnaround,” said Knoblach (R-St. Cloud). “We’ve gone from a $4.5 billion deficit when I took over as Ways and Means Chair to a budget surplus, and I believe it proves you can build a strong economy without tax increases. We have paid back our schools, and have funds left over. If the courts rule the governor’s health impact fee illegal, then we’ll have the money to pay that back too.”