Week in Review: Jan. 13-17

DISCLAIMER: On Jan. 24, 2025, the Minnesota Supreme Court held that 68 members are necessary to constitute a quorum of the House. This webpage may reflect proceedings that occurred before that decision was issued and are no longer active. See Simon v. Demuth, No. A25-0066 (Minn. Jan. 24, 2025) (consolidated with Hortman et al. v. Demuth et al., No. A25-0068).

The question of what constitutes a quorum in the House overshadowed the start to this year’s legislative session.

Republicans say a quorum is 67 members, not 68, because the House has 133 members currently. Secretary of State Steve Simon ruled differently on Tuesday’s opening day, but Republicans pushed ahead anyway and elected House Speaker Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring). Committee activity began Wednesday and the first 10 bills were filed Thursday.

DFLers have remained absent from the Capitol, arguing the House doesn’t have a quorum without them. Caucus leaders are asking Republicans to agree to power sharing after the Jan. 28 special election in District 40B — a seat the DFL won by 30 points in November with a candidate who did not meet residency requirements — and to seat Rep. Brad Tabke after a district judge ruled Tuesday that Tabke’s narrow victory stands in District 54A.

A lawsuit filed by DFL members this week asks the Minnesota Supreme Court to weigh in on the quorum dispute. Opening arguments are scheduled for Jan. 23.

Have a good weekend, stay warm and here’s a look back at what happened over the past week.

BUDGET

Walz proposes slimmed-down 2026-27 state budget, sales tax changes

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18431

EMPLOYMENT

Workforce committee learns of issues with paid time off programs

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18430

STATE GOVERNMENT

DFL leaders lay out legislative priorities for 2025 session

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18432

Simon says no quorum, Republicans elect Demuth speaker

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/18429