The APG of East Central Minnesota Editorial Board reached out to the two leaders of the Minnesota House of Representatives after the November election, asking each to share their ideas and expectations for the upcoming session, in light of the very close margin of membership. The editorial board saw this as an opportunity for leadership from both parties to reflect on a bipartisanship approach that will consider all Minnesotans.
Election Day results showed the House tied 67-67. Since then, one DFL member has been disqualified for residency violations. Another DFL seat remains in the hands of a district court judge, following a recount and ballot questions.
The responses from Lisa Demuth of Cold Spring, leader of the House GOP caucus, and Melissa Hortman of Brooklyn Park, leader of the House DFL caucus, are published here. The 2025 Minnesota Legislature convenes Tuesday, Jan. 14.
The 2024 election made it clear that Minnesota is a closely divided state, and voters chose a tied Minnesota House of Representatives. While the partisanship and division that we’ve seen on the rise nationally in recent years creates challenges at the Legislature, this moment also provides an opportunity for us to deliver for Minnesotans and do what they expect from us: work together and get things done.
The primary work of the 2025 Legislative Session will be to craft a two-year state budget. The November Economic Forecast showed a $3.7 billion surplus in the current budget cycle, a $616 million positive balance in the upcoming budget cycle, and our highest budget reserve fund balance to date — another $3.5 billion. This forecast reflects a decade-long track record of DFL leadership in generating budget surpluses and reserve funds that provide stability.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.