Minnesota State CapWatch
Legislative Activity Remains Slow
The Minnesota House of Representatives remains stalled in partisan gridlock as caucus leaders have been unable to reach a power sharing arrangement following the Minnesota Supreme Court’s ruling last week that 68 members are needed for the body to have a quorum. The House Republican Caucus had previously argued that their 67 members constituted a quorum in light of the current vacancy in Roseville and sought to organize the chamber and conduct business. Following the Supreme Court’s decision, all previously scheduled hearings were canceled, and floor sessions remained brief as only 67 members were in attendance. At the same time, the Minnesota Senate continued to hold floor sessions and committee hearings under its 33-33 power sharing agreement.
Senate DFL Looks to Restore Majority Following Special Election
On Tuesday, January 29th, a special election was held in Senate District 60 to fill the vacancy created following the passing of former Sen. Kari Dziedzic in December. Senator Doron Clark (DFL-Minneapolis) won the seat with 90 percent of the vote defeating Republican Abigail Wolters. The district represents Northeast Minneapolis and was never expected to be competitive. Following the special election and Sen. Clark’s swearing in this morning, the Senate DFL now has a 34-33 majority and quickly voted on party lines to transition away from the co-share power sharing arrangement towards DFL leadership more akin to the prior biennium.
Minnesota House of Representatives Still in Stalemate
With the Supreme Court holding in successive weeks that Gov. Walz acted prematurely in calling the special election in House District 40B and that 68 members are needed for a quorum, it now looks possible that the ongoing stalemate could extend into March. Without a quorum, Secretary of State Steve Simon has gaveled in the House of Representatives, noted no quorum, and adjourned each day. No work has been done thus far and there has not been a power sharing agreement reached between House leaders.
Legislative leaders have agreed to legislative breaks for Eid, Easter, and Passover. If the House of Representatives does not organize itself until after the HD 40B special election, significant work will be left on the table to meet deadlines and ultimately craft a budget by the end of the legislative session on May 19, 2025. Bill deadlines have not yet been announced.
Important Dates to Remember
March 6, 2025 Updated Budget Forecast Released
March, 2025 HD 40B Special Election
March 29, 2025 Eid break Begins
April 1, 2025 Legislature Resumes
April 11, 2025 Easter/Passover Break Begins
April 21, 2025 Legislature Resumes at 12:00 PM
May 19, 2025 Constitutional Deadline to adjourn legislative session
Federal CapWatch
Trade Representative Nominee Under Scrutiny Amid Tariff Delays
President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, is scheduled to appear before the Senate Finance Committee this week. This comes after the administration announced a 25% tariff on most Canadian and Mexican imports and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. Notably, tariffs on Mexican imports have been postponed for one month. Greer, who previously served as chief of staff to former Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, is expected to face rigorous questioning regarding these trade policies during his confirmation hearing on Thursday.
Congressional Actions to Propel Energy Agenda
The Senate approved Chris Wright for Energy Secretary this week. Wright, currently the CEO of an oil company specializing in hydraulic fracturing, would oversee U.S. energy policy and the maintenance of the nation’s nuclear arsenal if confirmed. Concurrently, the House is preparing to consider a bill that would prohibit moratoriums on hydraulic fracturing, a method of oil and gas extraction that has sparked environmental concerns.
Aviation Industry Challenges Spotlighted After Midair Collision
The recent fatal midair collision over the Potomac River has highlighted longstanding issues within the aviation sector, including air traffic controller shortages and congested airspace around Washington, D.C. Industry experts are expressing concerns about how proposed federal workforce and budget cuts might exacerbate these challenges. While Congress previously directed the Federal Aviation Administration to maximize the hiring of air traffic controllers, it remains uncertain whether additional legislative measures will be pursued in response to this incident.
White House Advises House GOP to Focus on Key Budgetary Goals
As a pivotal week begins, the White House is advising House Republicans to avoid becoming entangled in the minutiae of budget resolutions. Speaker Mike Johnson aims to mark up a budget resolution this week, but internal divisions within the House GOP could pose challenges to this timeline.
Ken Martin Elected as DNC Chair
Minnesota DFL Chair Ken Martin has been elected as the new Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), making him the first Minnesotan to hold the position. Martin, who has led the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party since 2011, played a key role in expanding Democratic influence in the state, flipping key congressional seats and maintaining control of the state legislature. Martin’s election signals a stronger focus on Midwestern battleground states ahead of the 2026 elections, with Democrats looking to solidify gains in Minnesota and neighboring states.
Bipartisan Effort to Honor Local Postmaster
Legislation introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, along with Representative Michelle Fischbach, to rename the Roseau Post Office in honor of Floyd B. Olson has been signed into law. Olson, who served as the Roseau Postmaster for 25 years and was an active community member, passed away in 2017. The entire Minnesota congressional delegation co-sponsored the bill, reflecting a unified effort to honor Olson’s legacy.
