When lawmakers return Monday, they will have four weeks to work with Gov. Mark Dayton in crafting a 2018-19 biennial state budget.
Some of the heaviest lifting began in earnest this week as conference committees in nearly every budget area had introductory meetings, primarily reviews of spreadsheets and policy provisions House and Senate conferees are bringing to the negotiating table. Some areas are far apart, others not as much.
The next key step will be agreement between Dayton and legislative leaders on joint committee targets. In a March 13 letter, Dayton requested that joint targets be established by April 28.
Before looking ahead to next week; let’s take a look at what you may have missed this week.
Check out the latest gallery from House Photography and stay up-to-date on House news and updates throughout the week at Session Daily.
BUDGET
‘Inefficient and efficient at the same time’: It’s conference committee season
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12783
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE
House OKs limits to life insurance policies by suspected terrorists
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12787
Cost-saving measure for credit unions, members now moves to Senate
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12789
House passes data changes, background checks for appraisers
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12790
Bill subjecting commission sales reps to state law passes House
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12791
Government audits of insurance companies gets House OK
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12792
EDUCATION
Ed finance omnibus bill conference committee digs into details, seeks unified proposal
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12781
ENVIRONMENT
Starting Line: Seeking ways to prevent wolf-livestock conflicts in Greater Minnesota
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12777
HIGHER EDUCATION
Higher ed conference group begins to hash out policy differences
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12788
PUBLIC SAFETY
Funding differences, concerns aplenty as public safety conferees begin their work
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12793
STATE GOVERNMENT
$61 million and plenty of policy separates House, Senate state government bills
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12795
House recognizes research, fiscal departments for 50 years of service
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12786
Panel hears how Real ID compliance bills differ
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12780
House ethics panel stands at ready to self-police
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12778
House minority leader responds with own protest and dissent
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12779
TAXES
Omnibus tax bill repurposes some 2016 vetoed provisions, adds some new
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12785
TRANSPORTATION
House, Senate negotiators tackle transportation bills in hopes of finding a deal
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/SDView.aspx?StoryID=12784