Minnesota Legislature Wraps Up Consequential Session with Infrastructure Package and One-Time Rebates.
The Minnesota Legislature ended its session with Democrats claiming it was "transformational" and "historic," while Republicans called it "partisan" and "bonkers." With a $17.5 billion surplus, Democrats fulfilled nearly every plank of their platform, including codifying abortion rights, paid family and medical leave, sick leave, transgender rights protections, drivers licenses for undocumented residents, restoration of voting rights for people when they are released from prison or jail, wider voting access, one-time rebates, a tax credit aimed at low-income parents with kids, and a $1 billion investment in affordable housing including for rental assistance. Republicans criticized tax hikes, smaller rebate checks, and new spending that could be unsustainable in the event of an inevitable economic downturn.