Minnesota House balances state budget, adjourns special session

Saint Paul, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota Legislature convened a special session and completed its work of balancing the state budget for the next two years. The Legislature also passed the first capital investment bill since 2023, which will lead to improvements in roads, bridges, wastewater treatment plants, and state assets across Minnesota while creating thousands of good-paying jobs. 

Information about the bills passed during today’s special session, including bill language and spreadsheets, can be found here. 

In the first session of divided government since 2022, DFLers successfully blocked Republican efforts to roll back laws that help to make Minnesota a great place to live, work, and raise a family, including Paid Family and Medical Leave, universal school meals, and reproductive freedom, and nearly every single DFL accomplishment from the 2023-2024 session remains in effect. 

“Minnesotans expect us to come together, govern, and pass a state budget — and that’s the work that we completed in this special session,” said Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. “A true compromise means no one gets everything they want, and this agreement reflects that reality. While there is much to appreciate in these bills, there are also tough and responsible measures taken to prepare for the future. Most importantly, this budget funds state government and the essential services Minnesotans rely on for the next two years.”

“While Republicans consistently stood with billionaires and worked to mirror Donald Trump’s cruel agenda, DFLers focused on passing a balanced budget that expands opportunities for hardworking Minnesotans to live a better life,” said House DFL Floor Leader Jamie Long. “The GOP relentlessly tried to overturn progress like paid leave, universal school meals, reproductive freedom, clean energy goals, and so much more, but we stood with our communities to prevent them from taking us backward. Looking ahead, DFLers will continue to lead the way in reducing costs and putting more power in the hands of Minnesotans – not corporations and the ultrawealthy.” 

The first weeks of the 2025 legislative session began with House Republicans using a temporary 67-66 advantage to stage a legislative coup, hold sham sessions and hearings, and undermine democracy by threatening to kick out a duly-elected DFL state representative. The Minnesota Supreme Court struck down and invalidated House Republicans’ unconstitutional actions, and afterwards leaders of both House caucuses reached a power-sharing agreement. The 134-member Minnesota House operated under a 67-67 tie this year for just the second time in history.

The Legislature now stands adjourned until February 17, 2026.