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Senate committee approves forecast-adjustment bill adding human services and Metro Mobility
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Summary
The Senate Finance Committee adopted an A2 amendment adding forecast adjustments for human services, the Department of Children, Youth and Families and Metro Mobility to Senate File 4282, then recommended the bill to pass. Members debated combining multiple forecast adjustments into a single bill but the amendment passed 5–4 by roll call.
The Minnesota Senate Finance Committee on April 14 advanced a routine forecast-adjustment measure for K–12 funding after adopting an amendment that folded in forecast changes for human services, the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and Metro Mobility.
Senator Kunish explained that Senate File 4282 aligns the E-12 education appropriation enacted in 2025 with the February 2026 revenue forecast and provides the Department of Education the appropriation authority necessary to deliver statutorily required aid. “The appropriation changes are real, but the forecast adjustments have no trackable fiscal impact relative to the February 26 forecast baseline,” Kunish said.
Senator Murphy moved the A2 amendment to add forecast adjustments for DHS, DCYF and Metro Mobility. Nauman, speaking for staff, described Article 1 as replacing K–12 appropriation values, Article 2 as showing the exact appropriation authority changes (increases in DHS, reductions for DCYF), and Article 3 as the Metro Mobility adjustments tied to Met Council responsibilities.
Senator Pratt objected to lumping multiple program-area forecast adjustments into one bill on single-subject and custom‑and‑practice grounds, saying the procedure reduces the opportunity for thoughtful debate even if the spending itself is not controversial. “I’m not arguing against any of the spending specifically, but it does complicate the matter when we’ve got education, human services and transportation all lumped into one,” Pratt said.
Senators proceeded to a roll call on the A2 amendment after Pratt requested it. The roll call showed ayes from Senators Marty, Champion, Mohammed, Murphy and Pappas and nays from Senators Pratt, Draheim, Jasinski and Johnson; the A2 amendment passed 5–4. After brief further discussion, the committee recommended Senate File 4282, as amended, to pass.
The chair said the committee will continue processing budget bills next week and adjourned the meeting.
The committee record shows the A2 amendment and the committee recommendation; no final enactment by the full Senate was recorded in this hearing.
