The 2026 Minnesota legislative session got underway Tuesday in St. Paul.
One of the first actions of the day was the House and Senate coming together to pay tribute to the late House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth of Cold Spring says she hopes the session includes a cordial working relationship with House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson…
“A very meaningful memorial and bringing together Democrats and Republicans in the House chamber along with our Senate colleagues. What I am hopeful for is that even though much has changed in our state, that Leader Stephenson and I will continue on that legacy of good work being done in a tie.”
Prior to the start of the session, party leaders outlined their priorities. House Speaker Demuth laid out the major issues that Republicans plan to emphasize…
“We’re here to stop the fraud. We want to make Minnesota affordable, safe and competitive. We’re looking to reduce the mandates and raise standards in education. And ensure Minnesota tax dollars help the Minnesotans they’re meant to help.”
DFL House Leader Zack Stephenson of Coon Rapids is calling on Republicans to join Democrats when it comes to protecting Minnesotans from immigration operations…
“What we’ve seen these last six weeks has been so exceptional, so damaging that I don’t know how you can be human and not respond to it. But even if it’s not that, we also know it’s an election year and voters are watching and voters will hold people accountable.”
Democrats are expected to continue their push for a ban on assault rifles, but GOP leaders including House Republican Leader Harry Niska of Ramsey are going in a different direction to keep schools safe…
“We also have a school safety bill that we’re working on. That will include public schools and non-public schools with safe revenue, expand flexibility on funding for school safety personnel and give one-time grants for facility improvements.”
The Minnesota House enters this session still tied at 67-67, while DFL’ers control the Senate with a razor-thin one vote margin.
(content: in part, courtesy MNN)
