Greetings,
Yesterday marked the final day of the 2025 legislative session. But there are a few items that remain unfinished and must be rectified during an upcoming special session.
BUDGET FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT REACHED
Late last week, legislative leaders and Governor Walz came to a budget framework agreement. Minnesotans can be pleased that balance was restored at the Capitol this year. We were able to stop $8 billion in tax increase proposals this session, and because of this, no Minnesota family will see a tax increase in this budget. Further, the agreement eliminates nearly half of the projected budget deficit for the next budget cycle.
VERY SHORT SPECIAL SESSION EXPECTED
Since the budget framework announcement, lawmakers have been approving House/Senate compromise plans for different areas of state government. Several of those still need approval, such as K-12 Education and health. The expectation is once all sides have reached agreement on all of the outstanding proposals, Governor Walz will call for a very limited special session so we can finish legislative business quickly. Expect that to happen in the coming days.
PUBLIC SAFETY FINANCE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT APPROVED
One of the issue areas where finality was reached was public safety. The House/Senate conference committee report focuses on holding criminals accountable, standing with law enforcement, and supporting crime victims.
HOUSE OVERWHELMINGLY APPROVES AGRICULTURE FINANCE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT
On Saturday, the House passed the agriculture finance conference committee report. Highlights of this proposal include funds to combat infectious diseases in flocks and herds and to help the state’s agriculture industry in general. It also rejected costly mandates on food manufacturers and grocers.
PENSIONS LEGISLATION APPROVED IN MINNESOTA HOUSE
A conference committee report that preserves and improves the pensions of police, firefighters, and teachers also received nearly unanimous support in the Minnesota House. As a leader of the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement, I worked very closely on this legislation. To me, it is critical for our state to take care of those who spent their careers taking care of us.
MOVING FORWARD
As stated earlier, a special session will be called at some point, but as of this moment a date has not been established. I will be sure to keep you updated on any new developments.
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Talk to you soon,
Tim