February Forecast

The Governor and Department of Management and Budget will release the state’s February Budget and Economic Forecast on Monday. This updated projection of state revenues and expenditures will be used by legislative leadership to calculate budget targets.

Bonding Bills Released

Over the past week, both the House and Senate Capital Investment committees released their $2 billion bonding bill proposals, primarily consisting of capital investment projects that failed to pass in the 2022 session. The bills require a supermajority to pass in each chamber, meaning a few Republicans in each body will need to vote for the bill in order for it to pass. Leadership has indicated additional bonding bills may yet be considered this session.

Sports Betting Legislation

Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) and Sen. Matt Klein (DFL-Mendota Heights) held a press conference Tuesday to announce the release of legislation (H.F. 2000 / S.F. 1949) to legalize and regulate sports wagering in Minnesota. The bill would grant sports betting licenses to each of the 11 tribal nations and impose a 10% tax on mobile betting revenues.

Paid Family & Medical Leave Bill Progressing

The bill requiring employers to offer a total of 24 weeks of paid family and medical leave (H.F. 2 / S.F.2) moved through committee stops in both chambers this week. Members of the Senate Human Services committee adopted an amendment proposed by Sen. Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) to require that an actuarial study be conducted and provided to the legislature by October 31, 2023.

Flurry of Activity Before the Snowstorm

On Tuesday night, the Senate was in session until 2 a.m. passing two major bills that form a cornerstone of the DFL’s legislative agenda. Legislation allowing undocumented immigrants to get driver’s licenses (H.F. 4) and another bill restoring the right to vote for people convicted of felonies after they have completed their prison sentences (H.F. 28) are expected to be signed into law in the coming days. In preparation for the snowstorm this week, the House and Senate canceled all business Wednesday through Friday.

February 24, 2023