In the late hours of Sunday night, the legislative session came to a close. About 30 minutes before adjournment, Senate Democrats brought forward a mega-omnibus bill comprised of 8 other omnibus bills, including other unrelated provisions. The Senate President did not entertain debate or questions from Republican senators. Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater) released the following statement in response:

“There are no words to describe the utter disappointment I felt when Democrats silenced half of Minnesota in the final hour of the Legislative Session. With just 30 minutes remaining, Senate Democrats brought forward a mega-omnibus bill and refused to allow any debate on it. We didn’t even have access to the content of the bill until after we adjourned, and we likely won’t even know what’s in it for at least a few weeks. This is no way to govern.

Their actions abandoned the people of Minnesota. Every single person in that chamber was elected to be the voice of their district, and Senate Democrats decided to silence all Minnesotans. It is our job to ensure transparency by going through these bills, sharing information with constituents, and figuring out how provisions will affect families in our districts. Democrats decided it was not necessary to vet that bill – they circumvented the people and process for their agenda. 

Minnesotans expect better of their elected leaders and Senate Democrats failed them. They sent a clear message to half the state: we will silence any opposition to our agenda. Democrats must be held accountable for their negligence.”