SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has now called for a special session starting Monday, June 9 after reaching a budget agreement with legislative leaders.
The regular session ended May 19 without a passing a budget bill.
Walz and legislators didn’t give much specific information on what is in the agreement. If it’s not signed into law by Walz by July 1, the state will see a government shutdown.
Walz and legislative leadership released separate statements on the new developments.
“This bipartisan budget agreement makes thoughtful reductions in state spending while keeping us on track to make Minnesota the best state in the country to raise a child,” Walz said. “It is the result of hundreds of hours of good-faith, bipartisan debate on the best ways to improve the health, safety, and wellbeing of Minnesotans.”
“While all sides had to make concessions in order to reach a compromise, I’m grateful to our legislative partners for their collaboration and dedication to moving Minnesota forward.”
“As promised, Senate Republicans fought and continue to fight for our communities, families, businesses, and schools,” said Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson of East Grand Forks. “After drawn out negotiations we are able to announce a plan for an orderly conclusion to the session and provide certainty for Minnesotans. While Senate Republicans are not party to the overall budget agreement, we are glad to have found agreements to preserve jobs and invest in core infrastructure in our communities.”
House DFLers boycotted the start of the regular session because Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth of Cold Spring initially wouldn’t agree to seating DFL State Representative Brad Tabke of Shakopee.
Twenty-one ballots in one precinct in that city were thrown away according to Scott County officials and Tabke won by 15 votes.
“Despite the 23-day delay to the start of session, Minnesotans expect legislators to get their work done,” said Demuth said. “I look forward to finishing the state budget with the largest cut to state spending in history, important reforms to Earned Sick and Safe Time and Paid Family Leave, and other important wins for Minnesotans across the state.”
“At a time when Donald Trump and Republicans in Washington are actively embracing chaos, cruelty, and greed, Minnesota stands in contrast as a place where we can find compromise without sacrificing the investments and policies that will make this a great state to live for generations to come,” Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy of St. Paul said.
