On Sunday, the Minnesota Senate adjourned the 2020 regular legislative session sine die just before ahead of its constitutional deadline for passing legislation. 

“It was a different session, but we were still able to get things done for the people of Minnesota.  I led the way in passing the initial public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, made sure worker’s compensation was available to frontline workers, and made sure COVID-19 testing and treatment is available to all. We also passed bipartisan bills to enhance election security and establish an insulin assistance program,” said Senator Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud). “However, I am disappointed we adjourned the session without getting a deal on a capital investment bill, a tax bill that includes Section 179 conformity, housing infrastructure, or assistance for small businesses suffering during the pandemic. I am also disappointed we were not able to reach an agreement with the governor to get people back to work in a safe manner.”

Early in the coronavirus pandemic, the Senate took strategic action to pass an initial public health response and provided funds for hospitals and care centers to purchase personal protective equipment, lifesaving supplies, and ready hospitals. The Senate also passed legislation making sure frontline workers who contract COVID-19 receive worker’s compensation benefits and making COVID-19 screening, testing, and treatment available to anyone without insurance. Finally, the Senate passed legislation to cut down on the massive backlog of driver’s tests by allowing third party driving schools to also administer the test, as well as a bill to exempt freelance hair and makeup artists from burdensome regulatory requirements in the state  along with a bill to prevent the financial exploitation of elderly and vulnerable adults.

However, the Minnesota Senate also passed several key items that failed to become law after a lack of support from Democrats in the House and the Senate. A $1 billion public infrastructure and jobs bill, which included funding for security upgrades to the Minnesota Correctional Facility-St. Cloud and renovations to the St. Cloud Municipal Athletic Complex (MAC), fell short of the 60 percent support needed for final passage. The Senate also passed a small business and economic tax relief bill that included Section 179 conformity and tax deadline extensions, a small business grant program, and an affordable housing package, but those bills were not considered by the House of Representatives.

The legislature will not be in regular session until January 5, 2021, but Governor Walz had indicated he will call a special session if he extends his declaration of peacetime emergency passed its current expiration date of June 12.

Senator Jerry Relph represents St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta and surrounding areas in the Minnesota Senate. He serves as chair of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee.