Politics & Government
Winkler Questions Cut to Energy Agencies
Golden Valley representative concerned about agency's ability to operate.
Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley) questioned the impact of a 4 percent cut to funding for environment, energy and natural resources agencies included in the latest proposed budget from Republicans in the House of Representatives.
Winkler set his sights on Rep. Denny McNamara (R-Hastings), chairman of the Environment, Energy, and Natural Resource Policy and Finance Committee, saying, “your job is to make sure that the missions of the agencies are funded or changed to match the funding that’s available.”
“The problem isn’t that you’re unwilling to make cuts; you’re willing to do that,” Winkler added. “The problem is that you’re unwilling to raise revenue to make sure those cuts don’t affect the agency’s ability to operate.”
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The House adopted the conference committee report and repassed the budget bill as amended Wednesday.
The standoff between a Republican-led Minnesotan Legislature and Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton has intensified as the debate continues over slashing spending and raising taxes. With the legislature set to adjourn today and Dayton poised to veto the proposed budget if no agreement is met, a special session is likely.
