House committee, division chairs named for 2021-22 biennium

House DFL leaders have announced the committee structure, chairs and the schedule lawmakers will follow when they convene Jan. 5, 2021.

"Minnesota is facing significant challenges, and our committee chairs are ready to lead," House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) said in a release. "Our committee chairs, like our caucus, reflect the diversity of our state's population and our geography.

"Democrats are focused on what Minnesotans value: recovering and rebuilding from COVID, affordable health care, excellent educational opportunities from preschool through job training, and economic security for our families. We are ready to get to work building a Minnesota that works better for everyone."

Under the new structure, the House will have 30 committees or divisions — fewer than the 34 currently in place. Committee membership is expected to be named in December.

Rep. Rena Moran (DFL-St. Paul) is to chair the House Ways and Means Committee.

In a statement, she said: “My goal in chairing this committee will be to ensure our state budget is a true reflection of our values, and recognizes what Minnesotans need to get through this crisis of COVID-19 and racial injustices. It’s no secret people all over the state are going through challenges as a result of both. No matter how difficult the job will be, I’m looking forward to the work ahead to help Minnesotans emerge stronger.” 

The weekly schedule will remain largely the same, with blocks of two morning meetings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; two afternoon meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday; and one afternoon meeting Thursday. Meetings will begin at 8:30 a.m. on those days, however, 30 minutes later than during the previous biennium, and are scheduled to last 90 minutes.

There will also be one block of meetings scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday. There are no regularly scheduled meetings on Friday; however, the state government and public safety committees can meet that day, if needed.

Floor sessions will be held Mondays and Thursdays, beginning at 3:30 p.m. both days.