On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the first day of the 2025 legislative session, the Senate passed several motions and unanimously approved a resolution to establish a power-sharing agreement between Democrats and Republicans. This agreement will guide the operations of the Senate, which is currently divided with a 33-33 tie. The changes notably bring equal membership from Democrats and Republicans to each committee, along with co-chairs and co-vice chairs from each caucus.

“I am grateful to be back at the Capitol to represent your values and advocate for your needs,” Senator Bill Weber (R-Luverne) said. “With the Senate currently split 33-33, the power-sharing agreement ensures a balanced approach to government that prioritizes Minnesotans. As our state faces a substantial $5.1 billion budget deficit, it is crucial that we work together to tackle our fiscal challenges.”

As part of the current power-sharing agreement, Sen. Weber will serve as the Republican chair of the Senate Taxes Committee. The Democrat chair of the committee will be Senator Ann Rest (D-New Hope). Additionally, Sen. Weber will serve as a member of the Senate Elections Committee; the Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development Committee; and the Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate Committee.

Additional key items in the Senate power-sharing agreement include:

• Each caucus leader will appoint a co-presiding officer.
• A permanent increase in Republican committee membership after the power-sharing agreement ends.
• The creation of a new Senate Subcommittee on Veterans.
• No changes to Senate rules through 2025.
• The agreement is in place until there are 34 votes to end it.