House and Senate Conference Committee members worked fast to reach agreement on cuts of $1 billion dollars in state spending. As MPR News put it, “Child protection among losers in first round of budget cuts.” The reductions to funding for Child and Community Service Assistance grants ($13.7 million a year, or 21%) have remained unchanged in recent weeks as the proposals have moved forward.
Both the House and Senate need to vote on the reconciled bill once more before sending it to Governor Dayton. GOP leaders hope to deliver the bill to the Governor by February 10th.
Legislative leaders have said that they have not heard public input on the Child Protection elements of the bill, that their constituents are not calling or sending letters. If you want to send a message to your elected official about the cuts to Child Protection, act fast because the legislature is moving fast! You can also convey your opinion to the Governor.
Read and listen to audio coverage from MPR News here and here.