Minnesota State Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) returned to the capitol on January 14 for the beginning of the 2025 session of the Minnesota Legislature. The Senate begins in a 33-33 tie, as leaders from the Senate Republicans and Democrats announced a power-sharing agreement that will allow the Senate to govern as long as the Senate remains tied. Senator Jasinski was a core part of the negotiating team that brokered the agreement.
“I was proud to be one of the 12 negotiators tasked with coming to this agreement,” Senator Jasinski said. “It was a lot of hours, many late nights, and we had a lot of tough conversations to get to this point, but the end result is a good one for Minnesotans. I’m optimistic for the future – the Senate is starting off with both parties sharing power, which is a dramatic improvement from the last two years. The ugliness of one-party control fractured relationships, broke trust, crushed school and family budgets, and put Minnesota into a looming $5.1 billion deficit.”
“It’ll take time to rebuild trust and relationships, but we have a real shot at working together and putting Minnesotans first,” Senator Jasinski added. “It’s great to be back in St. Paul serving the people of Goodhue, Rice, Steele, and Waseca Counties. I am excited to get to work.”
The situation is much different in the House, where the entire House Democrat caucus decided to stay home to prevent Republicans from gaining power. House Republicans pushed forward and organized the House, electing Rep. Lisa Demuth as Speaker.
The top issue for the legislature is the construction of a new state budget. After Democrats used their one-party control in 2023 and 2024 to raise spending by 40%, spend the entirety of the $19 billion surplus, and raise another $10 billion taxes, a report issued by the office of Minnesota Management and Budget last December projected a looming $5.1 billion deficit.
Under the terms of the power-sharing agreement, Senator Jasinski will serve as the co-chair of the Transportation Committee, and as a member of the Finance and Capital Investment Committees.
Key items in the power-sharing 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.
- Agreement is in place until there are 34 votes to end the agreement.
Contact information
Constituents are encouraged to contact Senator Jasinski with any questions, concerns, or feedback:
Email: sen.john.jasinski@mnsenate.gov
Phone: 651-296-0284
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