(St. Paul, MN) – The Minnesota Legislature continues to be called to special session once a month to vote on Governor Walz’s emergency powers continuation. There have been several funding decisions made, but for the most part the Senate and House continue to be divided. The major issues this session were COVID relief, school decisions for the fall, and a bonding/tax bill.

The Senate started the most recent legislative session by voting down the emergency powers. The ruling of our state by one man is no longer necessary, and the many months the governor has continued in this vein are unprecedented in our history. Further decisions should be determined by two bodies which are representative of our districts. Nevertheless, the House majority will not even hold a vote on the governor’s emergency powers, so we continue in a stalemate.

Several COVID relief bills were at stake this special session. They were all funded by either the Federal CARES Act or the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, meaning they added no additional expense to the state. The first was a bill to provide relief to dentists’ offices who provided care for Medicaid-covered patients and were burdened by the expense of the personal protective equipment.  The Senate passed this bill, but the DFL-led House refused to bring it to the floor.

Likewise, the Senate passed a relief package with a 67-0 vote for day service providers. These services are absolutely crucial for those living in our communities with a disability, and providing resources for those with special needs, to live with as much autonomy as possible.  Again, the House of Representatives refused to bring the bill to the floor. Plus, the Governor gave 6 million dollars to the Minnesota Zoo but will not provide funding for our day service providers!

As many are aware, schools are struggling to determine their plans for the fall. The Senate voted on a resolution to make sure that the governor’s emergency powers are not used to make one unilateral decision for the state regarding school opening. I think the power of that decision should be in the hands of school boards and the administration – they know their students, families, and areas best. They will also be able to better determine the risk factors in their area – one size does not fit both metro and rural schools. Along with the resolution, we attempted to bring a bill with $25 million in grants for schools to the floor. Funds from the bill could be used for personnel and material costs to ensure ongoing student and staff safety and to ensure students receive basic and enriched educational services. Senate Democrats refused to move the bill forward and approve the funds for use in schools immediately. Likewise, the House did not vote for either portion of the education plan.

The Senate passed a practical bonding bill during the regular session, which was not taken up by the other body. We continued working on the bill through both special sessions, and it was filled with projects throughout the state that would increase jobs and better our infrastructure. Unfortunately, through negotiations, it became filled with fiscally irresponsible pet projects that were “bill killers” for the Senate. Thus, we ended the session without a bonding bill.

In a moment of relief, a bill to relieve the backup in drivers’ license tests was passed and signed into law. Barring that, special sessions have become futile. As long as Governor Walz cripples the legislature and holds the state hostage by continuing to extend his powers, we are forced to return for special sessions every 30 days to try and break up this pattern. Civil liberties are at risk.