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The Minnesota House and Senate will vote today on two large finance bills that would solve a state budget deficit.

Lawmakers are facing a projected $935 million shortfall next year. Both of the DFL budget proposals rely on spending cuts and tapping state reserves. But the House and Senate bills differ in approach and scope. 

House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, described the DFL budget proposal as a "garbage bill" full of finance and policy provisions that cover dozens of subject areas. Seifert said House Democrats aren't serious about balancing the budget.

"I think they're going to say we tried and walk away," Seifert said. "And then the governor, once again, will have to be the adult in the room who balances the budget on his own through un-allotment and draining the reserves. I don't think they're serious about balancing the budget right now. Maybe they'll get more serious as time goes on, but it's March madness in April right now the way I'm looking at it."

Governor Tim Pawlenty also weighed in on the House and Senate finance bills today, calling them "concerning." 

The Republican governor said he hopes a conference committee will reach a compromise he can accept.

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2025 Minnesota legislative session

The Minnesota House and Senate will vote today on two large finance bills that would solve a state budget deficit.


Republican leader calls DFL finance proposal a 'garbage bill'

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