Mar 05 2025 2 mins
Minnesota's 2025 legislative session kicked off on January 14 amid unusual circumstances, with a power-sharing agreement in the Senate and a dispute over control in the House[1][6]. The evenly split Senate is operating under a temporary bipartisan arrangement, while House Republicans and Democrats are locked in a feud over leadership[6]. Despite these challenges, lawmakers are expected to focus on passing a two-year budget before the July 1 deadline.
In economic news, the manufacturing sector is showing signs of recovery after a challenging 2024. A survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development reveals that nearly half of manufacturers expect an increase in orders for 2025, signaling optimism in the sector[2]. Similarly, small businesses are experiencing a surge in optimism, with the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rising to its highest level since October 2018[7].
The state is bracing for significant weather events in the coming days. An arctic blast is expected to kick off 2025, with temperatures potentially dropping to -30°F in the Great Lakes region[3]. Additionally, a spring snowstorm is forecasted to impact road conditions, with some areas expecting 2 to 8 inches of snow by Wednesday[5].
Climate change continues to be a pressing issue for Minnesota. The state has experienced rising temperatures, especially during winter nights in northern regions, with average minimum temperatures increasing by 7.3 degrees from 1895 to 2021[8]. This warming trend has led to shorter ice cover periods on lakes, affecting ecosystems and outdoor recreation.
In community news, cities across Minnesota are focusing on various priorities for 2025, including adult-use cannabis regulations, housing initiatives, and transportation funding[10]. Local governments are also grappling with the impacts of emerald ash borer infestations and the need for water infrastructure improvements.
Looking ahead, Minnesota will be closely watching the special election to fill a vacant Senate seat on January 28, which could shift the balance of power in the legislature[6]. The state is also anticipating Governor Walz's proposed capital investment package in the coming weeks, which will outline funding for various infrastructure projects across Minnesota[6]. As the legislative session progresses, debates over key issues such as cannabis legalization, housing affordability, and climate change mitigation are expected to intensify.
In economic news, the manufacturing sector is showing signs of recovery after a challenging 2024. A survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development reveals that nearly half of manufacturers expect an increase in orders for 2025, signaling optimism in the sector[2]. Similarly, small businesses are experiencing a surge in optimism, with the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rising to its highest level since October 2018[7].
The state is bracing for significant weather events in the coming days. An arctic blast is expected to kick off 2025, with temperatures potentially dropping to -30°F in the Great Lakes region[3]. Additionally, a spring snowstorm is forecasted to impact road conditions, with some areas expecting 2 to 8 inches of snow by Wednesday[5].
Climate change continues to be a pressing issue for Minnesota. The state has experienced rising temperatures, especially during winter nights in northern regions, with average minimum temperatures increasing by 7.3 degrees from 1895 to 2021[8]. This warming trend has led to shorter ice cover periods on lakes, affecting ecosystems and outdoor recreation.
In community news, cities across Minnesota are focusing on various priorities for 2025, including adult-use cannabis regulations, housing initiatives, and transportation funding[10]. Local governments are also grappling with the impacts of emerald ash borer infestations and the need for water infrastructure improvements.
Looking ahead, Minnesota will be closely watching the special election to fill a vacant Senate seat on January 28, which could shift the balance of power in the legislature[6]. The state is also anticipating Governor Walz's proposed capital investment package in the coming weeks, which will outline funding for various infrastructure projects across Minnesota[6]. As the legislative session progresses, debates over key issues such as cannabis legalization, housing affordability, and climate change mitigation are expected to intensify.