NW Minnesota News

Governor Tim Walz and legislative Democrats have announced their intention to pursue a special session, presenting an agreement they want Republican leadership to sign before the session is called. Representative John Burkel stated that this agreement lacks clarity and is unlikely to be accepted by Republicans.

Representative Burkel explained the process for calling a special session in Minnesota. Only the governor has the authority to call a special session, but once it is called, the legislature determines which bills will be heard and debated unless there is a prior agreement among all parties. Without such an agreement, proposed bills must pass through the standard committee hearing process before reaching a floor vote in either chamber. If a bill fails to secure majority support at any committee stage, it does not advance further.

With Democrats holding a narrow one-seat majority in the Senate and equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats in the House, Burkel noted that bipartisan cooperation would be necessary for any legislation to move forward. He suggested that controversial proposals from either side are unlikely to succeed under these circumstances.

On Monday, House Republicans sent Governor Walz a list of topics they believe could receive bipartisan approval if he decided to call a special session. According to Burkel, "He rejected that document."

Burkel criticized Governor Walz's approach: "Governor Walz wants House and Senate leadership to agree to hold a special session and only pass topics he wants approved. It’s an odd ask on his part, because that’s not how democracy works. Remember, no kings."

Burkel emphasized that if a special session is called, legislators will participate fully: "Should Governor Walz call a special session, we will all show up to do the work and look for ways to keep our communities safer, as well as address other subjects, like the rampant fraud that continues to come to light – seemingly weekly – under this administration. But the governor won’t be setting the agenda. That will be up to the legislature. He can’t have his cake and eat it too."

In addition to legislative matters, Burkel recently attended the rededication ceremony of Badger Veterans Memorial Park. Reflecting on its significance, he said: "We are so grateful for the incredible community effort that made this park possible. The dedication of our neighbors, volunteers, and local businesses reflects the same spirit of service we honor in our military. This memorial will forever stand as a place to remember the cost of liberty and to ensure the legacy of our heroes never fades." He added his appreciation: "Thank you to all who served and to all who helped make this a reality."