As the legislature works to assemble a final state budget agreement, Sen. Mark Koran (R-North Branch) will serve on the conference committee for the State Government budget bill. The conference committee, which includes five members of the House and five members of the Senate, is responsible for working out a compromise on differences in the bills passed by both bodies.

On April 25th, the Minnesota Senate passed a comprehensive State Government budget bill that prioritized government reform and accountability. It allocated funding for cybersecurity updates and election equipment. The State Government budget bill also included provisions that will require government programs and departments to function more effectively.

“I am excited to serve on the negotiating team for this important budget area,” said Sen. Koran. “Republicans have passed a budget that protects taxpayers from tax increases but still adequately funds our shared priorities, and that is what I will continue to advocate for during negotiations. I know it will be a lot of work, but I am optimistic we’ll be able to arrive at a compromise that helps Minnesota families and holds government accountable.”

Conference committees will begin meeting this week and will continue until an agreement is reached. After a conference committee has come to a compromise, both legislative bodies must vote to approve the agreement before sending it to the governor for a signature or veto. The legislature is constitutionally-mandated to adjourn by May 20.