“Mark Johnson Anticipates a Busy Legislative Session Ahead for Minnesota”

EAST GRAND FORKS — As Minnesota legislators enter their legislative session, the effort to approve the next state budget is likely to be the paramount focus on their agenda, as stated by Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson.

“Particularly if we begin at a slow pace with these court matters, I’m not anticipating a holiday in June,” remarked Johnson, a Republican hailing from East Grand Forks. “There are numerous requirements in this state — not only in my district but throughout the state — but considering the current budget challenges… there’s going to be significant activity down in St. Paul.”

The Legislature is set to convene on Jan. 14 for its 94th session. The Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor party holds a one-seat lead in the Senate, and the House of Representatives is likely to be evenly split at 67. While a

power-sharing arrangement — with DFL and Republican chairs

across all committees — has been under consideration, two ongoing court cases bring uncertainties regarding final majorities.

“We are uncertain when those matters will be resolved,” Johnson stated. “The House may find itself in a bit of uncertainty trying to determine who will lead.”

Two cases — one concerning discarded ballots in a tight representative race in Shakopee

and another disputing the residency of a Roseville representative — are progressing through Minnesota’s legal system.

If a DFL-Republican tie occurs on Jan. 14, there’s legal and constitutional ambiguity surrounding the existence of co-speakers of the House. A tie has only transpired once before in Minnesota, back in 1979. At that juncture, the Independent Republican Party secured the speakership while the DFL chair oversaw the rules, taxes, and appropriations committees. This resulted in

tumultuous final days of the session.

Additionally, there’s the situation of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, who is facing allegations of burglary in Becker County court with a jury trial scheduled for late January.

Calls for her resignation have emerged, yet others emphasize that she hasn’t had her opportunity to present her case in court.

“So even before we delve into the budget cycle, there are all these dynamics unfolding behind the scenes,” Johnson noted. “That’s sparked some intriguing discussions among a few Democrats in the Senate.”

Even setting aside the controversies, the Legislature must undertake the responsibility of devising and approving a budget for the upcoming two-year biennium.

The preceding budget, enacted in 2023, marked the

eighth budget over 40 years that was finalized before the regular session’s

constitutional deadline of the Monday following the third Saturday in May. This year, that deadline is May 19. Should a budget not be approved by that time, Governor Tim Walz will be required to summon a special session; if a budget is not ratified by June 30, the government will face a shutdown. The last occurrence of this was in 2011.

As the Minnesota Management and Budget Office

indicates that the state is experiencing a structural deficit

and as expenses rise for long-term care and special education, Johnson asserted the Legislature must explore policy solutions.

“There are several policy measures we could pursue moving forward that would greatly benefit and rectify what the Democrats have implemented over the past two years with that extreme policy,” he stated. “Minnesotans bear the cost of (it) every single day, and we can address and enhance the efficacy and efficiency of this government, ultimately making it more affordable and better for residents in Minnesota.”

Voigt reports on government matters in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.