Up Next:  The legislature will start its 2025 legislative session on Tuesday, but there has been quite a bit of drama. Given the unfortunate passing of former majority leader, Senator Kari Dziedzic (D), there is now a 33-33 tie. A special election for that seat will happen at the end of the month. However, another senator is set to have a criminal trial begin yet this month but requested the trial be postponed until after the legislative session, as well as a request from the prosecutors for a speedy trial. The judge in the case will rule on those issues this week. Last evening, the Senate announced they agreed to a power-sharing deal to allow for basic organization. After the election, the House of Representatives was tied at 67–67, and leadership agreed to a power-sharing arrangement. However, given the post-election litigation that left one DFL-won seat empty (that special election will be held at the end of the month) and another in the crosshairs of Republicans who say they might refuse to seat the certified winner (we are still waiting for the ruling on that case). DFL leaders say they might boycott if they do not get assurances that Republicans won’t use a temporary edge to cement a control that would be in place for two years.

If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Mack at mmack@pcmanet.org.