At a capitol press conference Wednesday, legislative leaders from the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate told reporters the new DFL majorities in the Legislature are united, working with a great sense of urgency to deliver on Minnesotans’ priorities and address the state’s big challenges.
“We are moving swiftly because that’s what Minnesotans expect and deserve,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman (D- Brooklyn Park).
“Although there were bipartisan wins over the last four years, many of Minnesotans’ priorities were blocked by the Republican Senate majority. With unified DFL control of state government, we now have an opportunity to work quickly to improve people’s lives. The DFL-led House and Senate are going to work hard and work together to meet the needs of Minnesotans and build a state that works better for everyone.”
Voters in November elected DFL majorities in the House and Senate. With Governor Tim Walz having been re-elected, Minnesota has the first DFL state government trifecta in 10 years, and only the second in 40 years.
“Minnesotans made it clear in November that they were tired of the gridlock, division, and unfinished work,” said Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic (D- Minneapolis). “They elected a DFL trifecta because they want a Legislature that will work for them and help all Minnesotans thrive. That’s exactly what we will do in the upcoming Session.”
According to a preliminary economic forecast released in December, Minnesota has a projected budget surplus of $17.6 billion. The forecast does not take inflationary costs into account, and more than $12 billion is projected to be one-time funds and not ongoing. Lawmakers will use an updated economic forecast – due in February – to write a new two-year state budget.
“We know that Minnesotans care about their families, neighbors, and communities, and they want a state that works better for everyone,” said House Majority Leader Jamie Long (D- Minneapolis). “The policy priorities we are announcing today reflect the values Minnesotans share. To keep our economy growing and provide economic opportunity for all, this Legislature will put workers and families first.”
When it comes to priorities, topping the list for both the House and Senate is the protecting Reproductive Options Act.
“Under Minnesota law, right now, because of the Minnesota Supreme Court decision in Doe versus Gomez, we have Roe-like protections on the basis of that Minnesota Supreme Court's interpretation of the Minnesota constitution,” says Speaker Melissa Hartman.
Hortman says those protections, however, are not guaranteed.
“We know that the makeup of Supreme Courts at the state and federal level change and we think it is important to have that right enshrined in Minnesota statute,” Hortman says. “We will also note in statute that we agree that Doe versus Gomez was correctly decided and there is a right to privacy in the Minnesota constitution.”
The new Legislature convened on Jan. 3 and is required by the state Constitution to adjourn by May 22.
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