It was announced this week that leaders from the Republican and DFL Caucuses have reached an organizing agreement to govern the work of the Senate during the temporary tie before the Senate District 60 special election, set to take place later this month. The agreement will be passed as a resolution on the Senate floor on Tuesday, January 14, the first day of the 2025 session.

Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater), Assistant Republican Leader, released the following statement in response: 

“I’m very thankful we were able to come to an agreement that serves all parties and restores a balance reflective of the Senate’s current makeup. As Assistant Republican Leader, I was happy to be part of the team that sought out this bipartisan solution. Minnesotans expect us to work together across the aisle in their best interests, and I truly believe this solution will help us reach that goal.

“Last month, our December Forecast painted a bleak picture: a structural deficit of over $5 billion looming in the near future. Now more than ever, it’s time to put differences aside and get to work. We have to rein in the overspending, find ways to make life more affordable, and work towards eliminating the fraud and abuse that has become synonymous with Minnesota. This agreement will help us get to work right away, addressing the needs of families throughout the state.”

Key items in the agreement include:

• Each caucus leader will appoint a co-presiding officer; caucus leaders will agree 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.
• No changes to Senate rules through 2025.
• Additional minority caucus representation on committees at the end of the agreement.
• The creation of a new subcommittee on Veterans
• Agreement is in place until there are 34 votes to end the agreement.