It was announced yesterday 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 Michael Kreun (R-Blaine), Assistant Republican Leader, released the following statement in response:

“I’m glad we were able to reach an agreement that recognizes the historic and precarious situation we find ourselves in as Session begins. As Assistant Republican Leader, I was glad to be part of the team that found a bipartisan solution that allows us to start Session on time with balanced leadership and representation.

“Considering our state is heading towards a structural budget deficit of over $5 billion, we need to get to work. Minnesotans expect us to pass laws that will lower their cost of living and get the state’s budget back on track, and that’s something that will require a focused and responsible Senate willing to find practical solutions in a bipartisan fashion. This was a unique challenge, and we found an equally-unique solution that will allow us to hit the ground running. Serving the people of my district is my top priority, and this agreement allows us to get to work immediately on behalf of all Minnesotans.” 

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.