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Senate approves $9.09 million stopgap for Department of Corrections deficiency
Summary
The Senate advanced and passed a stand‑alone appropriation to address a fiscal year 2025 shortfall at the Department of Corrections, funding overtime and staffing costs tied to retention and collective bargaining settlements.
Senators passed Senate File 3196, a deficiency appropriation for the Minnesota Department of Corrections intended to address an immediate shortfall in fiscal year 2025. The bill, described on the floor as a targeted measure apart from the larger omnibus package, would appropriate $9,091,000 from the general fund and reallocate $10,000,000 from certain unspent rider dollars to cover the agency deficit.
On the floor, bill supporters emphasized that the operating shortfall stems largely from higher-than-anticipated compensation and staffing improvements following recent collective bargaining agreements. The department increased correctional staffing from historically low vacancy levels to near fully-staffed levels; supporters said the improvement reduced lockdowns and safety incidents but created budget pressure because the agency could no longer rely on vacancy savings to cover operating needs.
Senators representing districts with major correctional facilities urged rapid passage. “This is essential employees. This is an essential service for the state of Minnesota, and it is one that has to be addressed quickly and immediately,” a senator said in floor remarks.
The bill passed final passage on the floor by recorded vote; the secretary recorded the roll and the presiding officer announced the bill was passed with 33 ayes and 0 nays and the title agreed to.
