Governor Walz Signs Three Omnibus Budget Bills into Law

Press Release

[ST. PAUL, MN] -- As Governor Tim Walz works with Minnesota Legislature to pass a two-year state budget bill that drives Minnesota's economic recovery by investing in students, small businesses, and working families, he today signed three omnibus budget bills into law. Highlights of the new legislation include ensuring housing stability by establishing an eviction moratorium off-ramp to support renters and landlords, protecting Minnesota's natural resources, and providing an historic investment in health and human services resources to benefit Minnesotans across the state.

"Today, I'm proud to sign legislation that will provide Minnesotans with the resources they need to emerge from COVID-19 stronger than before," said Governor Walz. "This legislation will support working families by expanding access to critical assistance; provide resources to both keep Minnesotans housed and connect them with housing; and invest in protecting and preserving Minnesota's natural resources for generations to come."

"Our state is in a good place in our effort to end the COVID-19 pandemic, and I urge the Legislature to work together to finish this budget and get the job done for Minnesotans," continued Governor Walz.

Chapter 6, HF 20: Environment and Natural Resources Omnibus
The bill includes appropriations to help mitigate climate change, address emerging pollution issues, and improve management of and access to Minnesota's natural resources. The bill includes strategic investments in Minnesota's State Parks, new funding to develop water infrastructure resiliency, and grants for projects such as aquatic plant management and recycling services. It also accelerates the protection of critical habitats in Minnesota through the Critical Habitat license plate program.

Chapter 7, SF 37: Health and Human Services Omnibus
The bill provides an historic investment in health and human services in Minnesota, including extended postpartum coverage under Medical Assistance; expanded access to child care; expanded lead risk assessment; tobacco and vaping prevention; better preventive care under Medical Assistance; and new benefits for children with severe asthma under Medical Assistance.

Chapter 8, HF 4: Housing Omnibus
The bill provides a roadmap to transition off the current eviction moratorium, providing temporary provisions for tenants to avoid eviction and lease terminations by helping to ensure renters have enough time to access federal funding for rental assistance. The bill requires landlords who intend to file an eviction for non-payment of rent to provide written notice along with information about rental assistance available to the tenant before filing an eviction to help ensure Minnesotans have time to access available assistance or plan for an orderly transition to a new home. The bill also makes historic investments in housing initiatives, including authorization for $100 million in Housing Infrastructure Bonds, Local Housing Trust Funds, and a Shelter Task Force.

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