The Red Wing Eagle posts a column from Representative Barb Haley…

With less than one month remaining in the 2019 legislative session, lawmakers must soon agree upon our state’s budget for the next two years. In the weeks ahead, many consequential decisions are set to be made by the Legislature.

The House Democrat majority has assembled its bills to fund state government, many of which have been debated at length and voted on this past week.

Although I’m hopeful we can improve these bills before they arrive at the governor’s desk, I’m concerned with the state they’re currently in. Atop my list of concerns are the excessive mandates and huge tax and government spending increases at these bills’ core.

She supports broadband funding…

Nonetheless, these budget bills contain some good measures that I’m proud to support, such as job training grants, broadband funding, mental health grant increases, and others. I’m hopeful each side can ensure these beneficial provisions are a part of the final, compromised agreement between the House, Senate, and governor. I know Republicans and Democrats ultimately share the goal of making Minnesota the best state it can be. We also all understand the issues — such as affordable healthcare, education funding, and transportation funding — that are important to Minnesotans.

The current House Jobs Omnibus Bill passed the House floor 74-59 and contains $70 million for the grant program over the next two years.