The Minnesota State Senate adjourned early Saturday morning, followed less than an hour later by the House, ending the special legislative session with major issues still unresolved.
We had the opportunity to do good things for MN with the federal COVID funds, pass a bonding bill, and reform police accountability. I thought we could get something done, but the behind the scenes arm-twisting from Walz ended any hope of working together right now. #mnleg
— Paul Gazelka (@paulgazelka)
June 20, 2020 The session, orginally called to complete work on a bonding bill to fund major construction projects, lasted a little more than a week at the state capitol building in St. Paul.
"We're not walking away from Minnesota," said Senate Republican Leader Paul Gazelka just before the gavel came down. "I do think it's wise to take a step back from what we're doing here. And I hope everyone here thinks about how they are responding, I want you to think about the things you've said and done. We're going to come back."
Gazelka earlier blamed Gov. Walz for "undermining the process."
The Senate has adjourned special session sine die. #mnleg
— MN Senate Info. (@MNSeninfo)
June 20, 2020 The 2020 First Special Session of the #mnhouse stands adjourned sine die. #mnleg
— MNHouseInfo (@MNHouseInfo)
June 20, 2020 Walz is expected to call lawmakers back for another special session in July after urging Republican lawmakers to remain in session with hopes of striking deals.
“This is not the time to think small and call it quits for the summer. To not meet the moment we're in is completely unacceptable. House DFL'ers remain committed to taking action to build a Minnesota that works better for all of us, no exceptions,” said House Majority Leader Winkler.
The call of this first special session was expanded to include police accountability reform following the officer-involved death of George Floyd that sparked riots in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and around the US.
Lawmakers also clashed on the governor's emergency powers, which Walz put into effect in March in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Senate offered a compromise on police reforms late Friday night after the House passed its own version of the bill on Thursday.
The @DFLPOCIcaucus led the way to pass impactful legislation to address police accountability. We made a good faith offer to compromise & remained here at the Capitol thru the night ready to work. The Senate adjourned & went home. #TheWorldisWatching #mnleg #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/ckRDN58Y4D
— DFL POCI Caucus (@DFLPOCIcaucus)
June 20, 2020 Senate Republicans offer eleven different law enforcement accountability measures in attempt to reach a deal with DFL. “You can’t say it’s not a good faith effort.” @paulgazelka #mnleg pic.twitter.com/bkgeDP415h
— Minnesota Senate Republicans (@mnsrc)
June 20, 2020 Also unresolved is the bonding bill to fund state construction projects, along with a measure sending financial help to communities still reeling from the unrest and the coronavirus outbreak.
