Legislature: Minnesota became better with bipartisan budget

While the ghosts of the no new taxes crowd haunted the Minnesota Capitol this year, reason prevailed and the ghosts were banished to the place they hate most: the place of compromise.

If media tend to focus on the negative and the ever-present predictions of gridlock, let us be the ones to praise compromise and the power of getting things done.

DFL Gov. Tim Walz heralded the final budget compromise as a “big deal” in divided government, carrying forward his skill of putting a good look on what must be an underwhelming result for Democrats. They lost on road investments, family leave and common-sense gun laws. Walz won on keeping the medical provider tax — albeit a lower rate — and more school funding.

Republicans called the compromise a “draw,” perhaps muting criticism from their followers that they allowed more spending during a time of surplus. They lost on the health care provider tax, withholding election security money and some abortion proposals.

Both sides can claim victory in assessing pharmaceutical companies some $20 million to help fight the opioid crisis. Both agreed on a reasonable way forward for the state’s troubled motor vehicle licensing system. Both can claim victory on lowering a middle income tax rate, though it was a Republican push that made it happen.

Those are significant wins that will make life in Minnesota better.

We applaud Republicans and Democrats for coming together to work for Minnesotans. Keep it up and carry on.

— Free Press of Mankato