Feb 03 2025 2 mins
Minnesota is off to a unique start in 2025, with the 94th biennial legislative session beginning under unusual circumstances. The Senate is temporarily evenly split with 33 Republicans and 33 DFLers due to the untimely passing of former Majority Leader Sen. Kari Dziedzic, leading to a power-sharing agreement between the parties[1].
In the realm of business, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has outlined its 2025 legislative priorities, focusing on reforms to the Minnesota Paid Family & Medical Leave Program and providing small businesses with tax relief. NFIB aims to lower both the individual income tax rate and the corporate tax rate, which are currently among the highest in the country[2].
On the environmental front, Minnesota is experiencing colder-than-normal temperatures in January, with highs in the teens and single digits for the first half of the month. This frigid forecast is welcome news for organizations planning ice fishing tournaments and families with backyard ice skating rinks[3].
In other news, the state legislature is set to meet until May 19, 2025, with a constitutional limit of 120 legislative days during each biennium. The legislature may not meet in regular session after the first Monday following the third Saturday in May of any year[5].
Looking Ahead:
- The special election to fill Sen. Dziedzic’s seat is scheduled for January 28, which is expected to maintain DFL control.
- The jury trial of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, facing burglary charges, has been postponed and will now occur after the May 19 constitutional deadline, potentially leading to lengthy Senate Floor debates.
- The Minnesota Legislature will continue to navigate its power-sharing agreement and address key policy issues, including the NFIB’s legislative priorities, as the session progresses.
In the realm of business, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has outlined its 2025 legislative priorities, focusing on reforms to the Minnesota Paid Family & Medical Leave Program and providing small businesses with tax relief. NFIB aims to lower both the individual income tax rate and the corporate tax rate, which are currently among the highest in the country[2].
On the environmental front, Minnesota is experiencing colder-than-normal temperatures in January, with highs in the teens and single digits for the first half of the month. This frigid forecast is welcome news for organizations planning ice fishing tournaments and families with backyard ice skating rinks[3].
In other news, the state legislature is set to meet until May 19, 2025, with a constitutional limit of 120 legislative days during each biennium. The legislature may not meet in regular session after the first Monday following the third Saturday in May of any year[5].
Looking Ahead:
- The special election to fill Sen. Dziedzic’s seat is scheduled for January 28, which is expected to maintain DFL control.
- The jury trial of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, facing burglary charges, has been postponed and will now occur after the May 19 constitutional deadline, potentially leading to lengthy Senate Floor debates.
- The Minnesota Legislature will continue to navigate its power-sharing agreement and address key policy issues, including the NFIB’s legislative priorities, as the session progresses.