Joint statement of Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka and Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt regarding the Minnesota Supreme Court order calling the parties into mediation:

“We are pleased today’s order recognized Minnesotans’ right to a functioning legislative branch of government. While we do not dispute the governor’s line-item veto authority, the court order also recognized that constitutional powers may not be used ‘to accomplish an unconstitutional result.’

“Today’s order did not decide the case or vacate the lower court’s ruling, and we are ready to go to mediation to secure funding for the legislative branch of government. We worked in good faith in the past to attempt to breach this impasse, and will work in good faith again as we look ahead to the mediation process.”