Feb 02 2025 2 mins
Minnesota is off to a chilly start in 2025, with temperatures expected to be well below normal for the first half of January, according to the Climate Prediction Center[3]. However, the cold weather is not the only significant development in the state.
The 94th biennial legislative session began on January 14, 2025, under unusual circumstances. A partisan power-sharing agreement is in place in the Senate due to the untimely passing of former Majority Leader Sen. Kari Dziedzic, which has left the chamber evenly split with 33 Republicans and 33 DFLers[1]. This power-sharing agreement is set to expire once Sen. Dziedzic’s seat is filled following a special election on January 28.
In other legislative news, Gov. Walz has unveiled his proposed biennial budget and is refining his legislative priorities. However, he has publicly refused to acknowledge that the House is constitutionally organized, leading to a feud over control of the House[1].
On the business front, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has announced its 2025 legislative priorities for Minnesota small businesses. These priorities include pursuing reforms to the Minnesota Paid Family & Medical Leave Program and providing small businesses with tax relief[2].
The League of Minnesota Cities has also adopted its 2025 legislative priorities, focusing on issues such as adult-use cannabis, local government aid, and transportation funding[5].
Looking Ahead:
- The special election to fill Sen. Dziedzic’s seat is scheduled for January 28, which will determine the balance of power in the Senate.
- The jury trial of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, who is facing burglary charges, is expected to take place after the May 19 constitutional deadline, potentially leading to lengthy Senate Floor debates.
- The Legislature is obligated to pass a two-year budget before the July 1, 2025, start of the next fiscal biennium, which will be a critical focus in the coming months.
The 94th biennial legislative session began on January 14, 2025, under unusual circumstances. A partisan power-sharing agreement is in place in the Senate due to the untimely passing of former Majority Leader Sen. Kari Dziedzic, which has left the chamber evenly split with 33 Republicans and 33 DFLers[1]. This power-sharing agreement is set to expire once Sen. Dziedzic’s seat is filled following a special election on January 28.
In other legislative news, Gov. Walz has unveiled his proposed biennial budget and is refining his legislative priorities. However, he has publicly refused to acknowledge that the House is constitutionally organized, leading to a feud over control of the House[1].
On the business front, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has announced its 2025 legislative priorities for Minnesota small businesses. These priorities include pursuing reforms to the Minnesota Paid Family & Medical Leave Program and providing small businesses with tax relief[2].
The League of Minnesota Cities has also adopted its 2025 legislative priorities, focusing on issues such as adult-use cannabis, local government aid, and transportation funding[5].
Looking Ahead:
- The special election to fill Sen. Dziedzic’s seat is scheduled for January 28, which will determine the balance of power in the Senate.
- The jury trial of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, who is facing burglary charges, is expected to take place after the May 19 constitutional deadline, potentially leading to lengthy Senate Floor debates.
- The Legislature is obligated to pass a two-year budget before the July 1, 2025, start of the next fiscal biennium, which will be a critical focus in the coming months.