Ewald at the Capitol: Special Session, New Leader Selected, New Senate Subcommittee

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September 12, 2025
 

Special Session

Gov. Tim Walz met with legislative leaders this week to discuss a potential special session on gun violence, following the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis.

Because the legislature is evenly split along party lines, bipartisan support will be necessary to pass any legislation. This may prove to difficult due to differing policy priorities. Many Democrats support banning assault-style and semi-automatic firearms, while Republicans have proposed increasing funding for school safety and mental health resources and repealing Minnesota’s ban on conversion therapy.

Typically, agreements on which bills will be passed are made between the governor and legislative leaders before a special session is called. However, Gov. Walz stated he’s willing to move forward regardless, saying, “I will call a special session one way or another. Just have the hope. Just bring it up. Have the discussion … Maybe it doesn’t pass because the numbers aren’t there, but at least we’re going to know.”

Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth has said, “What we are looking for is bipartisan solutions that will make a difference, will keep kids and Minnesotans safer, and those are the things we want to work on. We have to have continued conversations and explore the root causes of why things happen. Not just doing a knee-jerk reaction.”

House Democrats Select New Leader

On Sept. 8, House Democrats selected Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) as their next caucus leader. The leadership of House Democrats has been vacant since the tragic assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in June. Stephenson, now in his fourth term, co-chairs the House Ways and Means Committee and serves on the Taxes and Commerce committees.

Senate Democrats Announce New Subcommittee

Senate Democrats announced this week they are forming the Select Subcommittee on Federal Impacts on Minnesotans and Economic Stability to determine the impacts of the federal budget bill passed by Congress this summer.

Changes from the bill include tax cuts, reductions to Medicaid spending, and increased funding for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Chaired by Sen. Lindsey Port, the committee will begin meeting weekly on September 18, alternating between the Capitol and affected communities across the state.

Sen. Erin Murphy, during the announcement on Tuesday, said, “We think it’s important for us to understand from a budget perspective, what the Congress has done, but more importantly, we need to prepare, and help Minnesotans prepare, for what could be a hard economic hit and a lack of stability.”

The committee will be made up of five Democrats and four Republicans.
 

Senator Miller Announces Retirement

Sen. Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) announced he will not seek re-election next year. Miller, who previously served as Senate President and Majority Leader, was first elected in 2010 at age 26, making him the second-youngest person ever elected to the Minnesota Senate.

Throughout his tenure, he received multiple legislative awards, including Legislator of the Year and Outstanding Support for People with Disabilities. After retiring, he plans to focus on family, community service, and his businesses, though he said he won’t rule out running for public office in the future.

Other legislative retirements and changes can be found here.
 

State Budget Update

The August Revenue and Economic Update from Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) showed the state’s general fund revenues totaled $2.1 billion in August, $86 million, or 4.2% above the February forecast. This is due to income and sales tax collection exceeding prior expectations.

A more complete picture of state finances will be available in the October Revenue and Economic Update, which will include data from July through September.

State Fair Poll Results

The nonpartisan House Public Information Services Office and the Senate counterpart conducted their annual State Fair Polls to gauge where Minnesotans stand on key issues. It should be noted that this is not a scientific poll. Here are the responses for some prominent issues:

  • Guns at the Capitol: 78.9% of respondents support banning guns at the State Capitol.
  • Undocumented Immigrants: 66% believe undocumented immigrants should have access to state programs. This comes after legislation passed last session ending their access to MinnesotaCare.
  • School Start Dates: Only 39.9% support allowing school districts to permanently begin classes before Labor Day — a slight decline from previous polls.
  • Sports Stadium Funding: 69% oppose using state funds to build professional sports stadiums.
  • Fraud Oversight: 62% support creating a new state agency dedicated to investigating fraud, waste, and abuse.

Full House poll results can be viewed here.

Full Senate poll results can be viewed here.

These are not scientific polls and should be viewed for entertainment purposes only.

Ewald Consulting Government Relations Toolkit 

We have started sharing content to help you better understand the legislative process and how to engage effectively. From decoding how the Legislature works to learning how to advocate for your priorities, these resources are designed to support your advocacy every step of the way.

This week’s article covers developing and implementing a legislative plan.

Article Link:

Developing and Implementing a Legislative Plan