Senator Dornink announces bipartisan power-sharing agreement in the Senate

On Sunday, Jan. 12, leaders from the Senate DFL and Republican caucuses announced an organizing agreement to govern the work of the Senate while it exists with a 33-33 tie. The bipartisan agreement will be passed as a resolution on the Senate floor on Tuesday, Jan. 14, the first day of the 2025 session.

 “I’ve often said that bipartisanship is the key to getting our state back on the right track,” Senator Gene Dornink (R-Brownsdale) said. “With this historic power-sharing agreement, the Senate is making a strong commitment to working on behalf of all Minnesotans. By working together, we can accomplish great things for our state and the people we serve.”

Key items in the agreement include:

  • Each caucus leader will appoint a co-presiding officer; caucus leaders will agree on who will convene each day.
  • Each committee has joint chairs, with gavel sharing determined by the chairs.
  • Equal representation of DFL and GOP members on committees.
  • A permanent increase in GOP committee membership after the power-sharing agreement ends.
  • The creation of a new Senate Subcommittee on Veterans.
  • No changes to Senate rules through 2025.
  • Agreement is in place until there are 34 votes to end the agreement.