March 26, 2024
EDAM and MAPCED Day at the Capitol took place last week with economic development professionals from across the state making their way to the Capitol to connect with lawmakers on issues of importance to both organizations. We had a good turnout and, despite the chaos of deadline week, were able to connect with many lawmakers throughout the day. A large group of attendees were also able to meet with House Economic Development Finance and Policy Chair Representative Hassan to discuss our priorities and her perspective on the legislative session.
A huge thank you to all who made the trip and connected with their local lawmakers, the event helps establish and strengthen those connections which can and do pay dividends down the road. If you have thought of joining us for this event in the past but were unable to make it this year, please don’t hesitate to reach out to get information on how to connect with your lawmakers.
Last week was the first and second committee deadline at the Legislature, which means bills that do not spend money need to have been heard in each committee with jurisdiction over them. With over 5,000 bills introduced this biennium in each House and Senate, lawmakers, lobbyists, and Capitol watchers will certainly welcome the deadline that narrows the focus onto bills that have met deadline requirements. The third committee deadline, which applies to bills that do spend money, is the next major milestone and is scheduled for April 19th.
Finally, after Governor Walz outlined his supplemental budget recommendations last week, he, Speaker Hortman, and Majority Leader Murphy were able to agree to joint budget targets late last week. These targets give budget committee chairs the amount of funding they are allowed to allocate with their committee omnibus bills. After the Governor recommended just $226 million in supplemental spending this year, the agreement hashed out between the leaders increased that amount to $477 million. Of this relatively small amount (in the context of a $72 billion two-year budget) only $1 million is directed to the Economic Development Committees, while Workforce Development received a $0 target.