Somali group, state band and butterflies win in House budget
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Minnesota's state band, a Somali youth group and monarch butterflies all have allies in the state House.
They're part of a funding bill passed 97-31 Thursday that directs hundreds of millions of dollars from a dedicated sales tax to environmental, arts and heritage programs across the state (MPR is among the organizations that receive money from the fund).
Lawmakers carved out $200,000 to help Somali group Ka Joog offer arts and mentorship programs across Minnesota. They also guaranteed free rehearsal and storage space for the 117-year-old state band, which practices in a government building basement.
Rep. Phyllis Kahn fought for butterflies. The Minneapolis Democrat tacked on a provision that requires many agencies receiving money to grow plants that benefit monarchs and avoid using pesticides.
Lawmakers have a few weeks left to finalize the state's budget.
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