With New Minnesota Legislature Elected, Groups Pushing Priorities

(KNSI) — Funding bills collapsed at the end of the last legislative session leaving many organizations empty handed. Now with the Democrats in charge, those groups are hoping lawmakers can come to a consensus and get money to where it is needed most.

Take Action Minnesota says no matter who is in charge, they need to remember the average Minnesota family has been slammed by rising inflation, soaring childcare costs and high gas prices. Take Action’s Trisha Harms says people need to thrive, not just survive. “The richest Americans are accumulating more wealth than ever before, while the rest of us, especially low-income Americans, are actually getting poorer.”

She’s hoping policymakers can come to a consensus and pass packages for things like childcare, education and public safety, and they’re ready to hold their feet to the fire. “And we’re ready to hold our elected leaders accountable to their promises to make sure every Minnesotan can afford to live with safety and dignity, and the resources and care that all of us deserve.”

The conservative-leaning Center of the American Experiment agrees that childcare solutions need priority. But it also believes Minnesota should send much of its budget surplus back to taxpayers.

The legislature largely failed to agree on how to use the state’s multi-billion-dollar budget surplus. The issue is expected to receive heavy debate early next year when those newly elected – or reelected – are sworn into office.

___

MNC Reporter Mike Moen contributed to this story.

___