Minnesota Legislature Passes $66 Billion Budget, $700 Million Infrastructure Bill

The Minnesota Legislature recently concluded a special session passing a $66 billion two-year budget that includes a $700 million bonding bill for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and drinking water systems. A key safety measure approved is a grant program funding law enforcement key boxes in public, private, and charter schools to facilitate faster emergency response. The Legislature also passed House File 5, a critical K-12 education budget that increases funding for public schools, supports vulnerable students, enhances charter school oversight, and expands mental health and emergency cardiac response resources. Controversially, the session included the repeal of adult undocumented immigrants from MinnesotaCare, while children remain covered. Private schools avoided proposed cuts to nonpublic pupil aid, preserving funding for transportation and support services. Increasing fees on electric vehicles and changes to the e-bike rebate program were also enacted amid broader budget balancing efforts to prevent a government shutdown.