The Minnesota Legislature adjourned the 2020 regular session last night sine die. Despite a flurry of negotiations over the final weekend, legislators were unable to reach agreement on major issues like capital investment and taxes.
The Minnesota Legislature adjourned the 2020 regular session last night sine die. Despite a flurry of negotiations over the final weekend, legislators were unable to reach agreement on major issues like capital investment and taxes.
Although not required by law, we expect the governor will call legislators back into a special session on or around June 12 to address these unresolved issues, as well as ongoing COVID-19 response. This will likely be the first of multiple special sessions in the coming months as Minnesota continues to respond to the pandemic.
There will be a strong push by legislators of both parties, as well as the governor, to reach agreement on a capital investment bonding bill in an upcoming special session. Additionally, a bonding bill requires a three-fifths majority of both bodies to pass. This means the House and Senate minority party members have a significant role in the final negotiations.
Unfortunately, this is the second year in a row the legislature and governor could not reach agreement on a bonding bill during the regular session. With a $4.8 billion, 10-year deferred renewal need for facilities around the U of M system, it is critical that the state approves a bonding bill in a special session to help address our backlog. This affects our teaching and research spaces, outreach efforts, and student experience.
We encourage you to continue to advocate for the University’s 2020 capital request as we anticipate a June special session. Stay engaged by visiting UMN Advocates and by contacting your state legislators and the governor directly.