Legislative Update

E-12 Education and Higher Education Bills Signed: Governor Pawlenty signed the omnibus E-12 and Higher Education bills. The increased funding for libraries in these bills remains intact except for the $4.5 million appropriation to help with the costs of merging the Hennepin County and Minneapolis Public Libraries, which the Governor line-item vetoed. That money will not be appropriated or spent.

The increases enacted by the Legislature for RLBSS, Multi-types, RLTA, Telecom Equity Aid, MINITEX, and school technology / operating capital will go into effect.

Tax Bill Vetoed: As promised, the governor vetoed the tax bill. This means that cities and counties will not receive the aid increases that were in the bill. Current aid levels will remain in effect.

Ready 4 K Initiative: The early literacy grant program that was funded in the omnibus Health and Human Services bill was signed by the Governor last week. It will go forward as passed by the Legislature.