End of Session Report

Today at the Capitol, the 2009 Legislative Session wrapped-up without fully addressing the $6.4 billion dollar deficit. With no agreement between the DFL-controlled Legislature and the Republican Governor on how to solve the deficit, the Legislature adjourned at midnight, leaving the budget a few billion out of balance. The DFL made a last ditch attempt to solve it by sending the Governor a bill to shift K-12 payments and increase taxes shortly before adjourning. Should the governor not sign the bill, he has pledged to make more line-item vetoes and use unallotment come July 1, as was reported on Friday.

Since last week's update, the Governor signed the E-12 Education bill, leaving intact all of the early childhood provisions. But we can no longer claim zero cuts to early childhood this year, as the Governor line-item vetoed several items when he signed major omnibus spending bills. Specifically:

• He signed the Higher Ed bill, but line-item vetoed all state funding for TEACH early childhood provider scholarships. ($500,000)
• He signed the Bonding bill, but line-item vetoed $85 million worth of projects, including $2 million for Early Childhood Facility Grants.
  

A more complete update and summary will be sent out in the coming days. Until then, please check out our bill tracker. We'll also be monitoring the Governor's unallotment process and keep you up to date on any actions involving early care and education programs.

Thank you for your continued support this session. Despite the small cuts at the end of the day, we can all be proud of the work we did to keep them to a minimum this year. Be sure to thank your legislators for their support of our youngest Minnesotans.