Minnesota Legislature
Rep. Joe Schomacker, not seeking re-election, announces resignation from House
By Lisa Kaczke
Rep. Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne) announced his resignation Friday from the House effective June 21, citing new business opportunities for the decision to step down.
“It has truly been an honor to represent the residents of southwestern Minnesota for the past 16 years, and I thank them for their support and encouragement,” he said in a statement.
Schomacker served in the House for 16 years, focusing on health care and the long-term care industry. During his tenure, he served as the chair of the House Health and Human Services Reform Committee and the House Aging and Long-Term Care Policy Committee, and co-chair of the House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee.
The eight-term lawmaker announced in February he would not seek re-election in November. No special election will be called to fill the remainder of his term, according to the announcement.
Recent Dailies
Rep. Joe Schomacker, not seeking re-election, announces resignation from House
By Lisa Kaczke
Rep. Joe Schomacker (R-Luverne) announced his resignation Friday from the House effective June 21, citing new business opportunities for the decision to step down.
“It has t...
Capitol legends: The truth behind Minnesota State Capitol myths
By Graham Johnson
The most common question posed to State Capitol tour guides is, “Where’s the bathroom?”
The next most common questions often have to do with some of the myths and legends th...
Retiring members give their goodbyes at close of 2026 session
By HPIS Staff
As is tradition, once members have finished months of debating one another over myriad bills, some House members who have opted not to seek re-election said goodbye to the body ...
Evenly-split House compromises to pass major legislation, finish session on time
By Rob Hubbard
The bipartisan burst of enthusiastic applause that reverberated around the House Chamber at midnight felt like a catharsis full of relief and release late Sunday.
For the fi...
HCMC funding passes in omnibus health and human services finance, policy bill
By Winter Keefer
Key funding to keep open Hennepin County Medical Center, Minnesota’s flagship trauma center and safety net hospital, emerged within the final hours of the 2026 session.
The ...
House and Senate pass $1.24 billion bonding bill, send to governor
By Graham Johnson
Hours after the House Capital Investment Committee unveiled details of the $1.24 billion capital investment bill and shortly before the legislative deadline to complete its work...
Omnibus tax bill headed to governor's desk after lawmakers strike Sunday night deal
By Rob Hubbard
No House tax bill? No problem.
While it’s customary that each chamber of the Legislature fashions its own tax bill, then hammers out compromises between the provisions of ea...
House unanimously passes bill expanding state powers to withhold payments over suspected fraud
By Mike Cook
The ability of state agencies to stop payment to program participants suspected of fraud may be strengthened.
A 2025 law allows state agencies to withhold payments to a prog...
Bill granting diplomas to war veterans, modifying school literacy rules to governor
By Mike Cook Better late than never is one aspect of a bill heading to a former teacher for his signature. Amended and passed unanimously by the Senate Sunday afternoon, and unanimously ...House OKs cannabis bill with new license, streamlined supply chain
By Lisa Kaczke
The 2026 omnibus cannabis bill would create a macrobusiness license, merge the medical and adult-use supply chains and give a helping hand to hemp businesses facing federal head...
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Could 2026 retirements lead to record turnover in the House?
By Lisa Kaczke
In the final weeks of the legislative session, House members not seeking re-election to the body have taken a turn at gaveling in a floor session.
It’s an opportunity to loo...
How short are the Legislature's short sessions?
By Lisa Kaczke
Rep. Ron Kresha (R-Little Falls) was ready to end the session March 25, making the motion to adjourn sine die. But not enough of his colleagues shared that sentiment, defeating ...
