Floor votes today enact the agreement announced Sunday night to share power with Co-Leaders, Co-Presiding Officers, Committee Co-Chairs and Co-Vice Chairs.

Today Senate Republicans passed a series of motions and unanimously passed a resolution to enact the agreement between the two caucuses to share power through a temporary organizing structure. The changes bring equal membership from Democrats and Republicans to each committee, along with Co-Chairs and Co-Vice Chairs from each caucus.

“Senate Republicans are ready to work together to put Minnesotans first this session,” Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (East Grand Forks) said. “You’ll see Republican Co-Chairs highlight our priorities to help Minnesotans afford their lives, reduce the growth of government, and stop the fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.”

Committee Co-Chairs, Co-Vice Chairs, and committee membership was part of the floor resolution voted on the Senate floor during the opening day of session.

The Senate appointed Democrat Senator Bobby Joe Champion (Minneapolis) and Republican Senator Jeremy Miller (Winona) as Co-Presiding Officers. In a historic moment, Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Sarah E. Hennesy swore in both Senators following the vote.

“Serving as co-presiding officer is both an honor and a serious responsibility,” Senator Miller said. “My colleagues have placed their trust in me, and I pledge to honor that trust by ensuring our Senate proceedings reflect the dignity and respect Minnesotans expect from their state government.” 

Committee Co-Chairs are as follows:

Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Co-Chairs: Aric Putnam (D), Torrey Westrom (R)

Capital Investment Co-Chairs: Karin Housley (R), Sandra Pappas (D)

Commerce and Consumer Protection Co-Chairs: Gary Dahms (R), Matt Klein (D)

Education Finance Co-Chairs: Mary Kunesh (D), Jason Rarick (R)

Education Policy Co-Chairs: Julia Coleman (R), Steve Cwodzinski (D)

Elections Co-Chairs: Jim Carlson (D), Mark Koran (R)

Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate Co-Chairs: Nick Frentz (D), Andrew Mathews (R)

Environment, Climate, and Legacy Co-Chairs: Justin Eichorn (R), Foung Hawj (D)

Finance Co-Chairs: John Marty (D), Eric Pratt (R)

Health and Human Services Co-Chairs: Paul Utke (R), Melissa Wiklund (D)

Higher Education Co-Chairs: Zach Duckworth (R), Omar Fateh (D)

Housing and Homelessness Prevention Co-Chairs: Eric Lucero (R), Lindsey Port (D)

Human Services Co-Chairs: John Hoffman (D), Jordan Rasmusson (R)

Jobs and Economic Development Co-Chairs: Bobby Joe Champion (D), Rich Draheim (R)

Judiciary and Public Safety Co-Chairs: Ron Latz (D), Warren Limmer (R)

Labor Co-Chairs: Gene Dornink (R), Jen McEwen (D)

Rules and Administration Co-Chairs: Mark Johnson (R), Erin Murphy (D)

State and Local Government Co-Chairs: Andrew Lang (R), Tou Xiong (D)

Taxes Co-Chairs: Ann Rest (D), Bill Weber (R)

Transportation Co-Chairs: Scott Dibble (D), John Jasinski (R)

Co-Chairs are listed in alphabetical order by last name.