First on the Legislative Agenda: Memorial for Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman

The Minnesota Legislature returned to St. Paul on Tuesday to begin the 2026 Legislative Session. Official actions were very limited as both the House and Senate only met for about 15 minutes. Following that official action, they gathered together in the House Chamber to remember Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and their dog Gilbert, who were slain in an attack last June. The Governor and members of the House and Senate, Democrat and Republican, shared memories and words of wisdom from Melissa. Following the touching ceremony, legislators, staff, and members of the public mingled at a reception featuring homemade cakes and bread, favorites of Melissa and Mark.

Legislature (and Politics) are Back!

By Wednesday morning, committees were meeting, lobbyists and interested members of the public were filling halls and meeting with legislators, and politics were back in full force. After only two days of hearings, there are already several instances of legislators’ comments getting a little spicy. Usually this happens when legislators are discussing a bill but then reference a hot political topic. Without a doubt, both parties are guilty of this transgression. However, perhaps the testiest event so far occurred when a Republican in the House Public Safety Committee brought up a bill that would impose harsher penalties on felonies involving firearms. Democrats used the opportunity to try to amend the bill to include a prohibition on assault weapons. The Chair ruled the amendment out of order (this is a procedure used commonly on the floor, but not in committee), committee members questioned the ruling and rather than continue to discuss, the Chair quickly adjourned the hearing.

DFL Session Priorities

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, House DFL Caucus Leader Zack Stephenson, and other DFLers have made it clear that their 2026 priorities focus on responding to federal immigration enforcement in the state, strengthening public safety, and addressing concerns around guns, fraud, and community security. Murphy and Stephenson have both indicated that DFLers will advance legislation aimed at regulating the conduct of federal immigration agents operating in Minnesota and increasing accountability for law enforcement activities, reflecting heightened tensions after recent federal actions in the state. They have also emphasized efforts to tackle issues such as gun violence, program fraud oversight, and support for infrastructure and bonding needs amid a challenging budget outlook. In their comments, they have underscored the need for effective, bipartisan solutions in a tightly divided Legislature while advocating for policies they believe will protect Minnesotans’ rights, safety, and economic stability.

Republican Session Priorities

Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, House Speaker Lisa Demuth, and House Floor Leader Harry Niska have outlined a Republican agenda focused on fiscal accountability, public safety, and affordability. They have emphasized combating fraud in state programs, including support for stronger oversight mechanisms such as an independent inspector general, and criticized what they have characterized as insufficient accountability in prior spending. They have also highlighted priorities such as reducing taxes and health care costs, easing regulatory burdens on businesses, strengthening school safety, and addressing crime. While signaling a willingness to work across the aisle in a closely divided Legislature, they have framed the session as an opportunity to refocus state government on transparency, responsible budgeting, and policies aimed at helping working Minnesotans.

Mark your Calendar: February Forecast released next week

Mark your calendar.  Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) will release the February Forecast at 12:30 on Friday, February 27.  Minnesota’s budget forecast is the official economic and revenue projection that sets the financial framework for the state’s budget process. In practical terms, the February forecast drives committee budget targets, shapes negotiations between the House, Senate, and governor, and signals whether lawmakers will be debating new spending, tax cuts, or budget reductions. The last MMB forecast, released on December 4, 2025, estimated that the state will have a $2.465 billion surplus for the current FY 26-27 biennium but projected a deficit of $2.96 billion in the FY 28–29 biennium.

February 20, 2026