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Ewald at the Capitol: Budget Bills Update

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April 15, 2025

BUDGET BACKGROUND & UPDATES

The budget forecast released by Minnesota Management and Budget in March showed a challenging outlook for the state’s finances. The projected balance for Fiscal Year 2026-27 is $456 million, which is $160 million lower than previous estimates in November. The projected deficit for Fiscal Year 2028-29 has risen as well, from $5.15 billion in November to almost $6 billion. The negative financial outlook means that the House and Senate have reduced budget targets, which are guidelines for how much general fund money committees can allocate as they put together the state budget. In the House, due to the tied nature of the body, Democratic and Republican leadership negotiated a compromise that would reduce spending by $1.2 billion for the upcoming budget cycle and $2.6 billion in future years. The most significant cuts would be in health and human services.

The targets released by the Senate Democrats reduce state spending by $754 million in the upcoming two-year budget and by $1.7 billion in future years. As in the House, the largest cuts would be in health and human services, as well as environment, energy, transportation and education.

Last week, most House and Senate finance committees put the finishing touches on their budget bills. When the legislature returns from the Easter/Passover break next week, these bills will be heard in the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees before moving to the floor of each respective body. There are differences between the House and Senate versions of the bills, which must be reconciled before adjournment on May 19. If agreements are not finalized and passed by then, a special session will be needed to pass a budget and avoid a government shutdown.

Here is where things stand with budget bills of interest right now:

K-12 EDUCATION COMMITTEES

Overall, the Senate education budget bill target allowed for no increases in spending in FY26-27 and a budget reduction of $687 million in FY28-29. Key components of the Senate proposal include removing future funding inflationary increases in basic per-pupil funding, which is the backbone of funding for public education, reduction in charter school facilities maintenance funding, and eliminating funding provided to private school materials, health and counseling services, and transportation. The Senate proposal provides one-time funding for school districts to cover costs related to unemployment insurance benefits for hourly school employees and address fiscal cliffs related to funding that supports low-income, at-risk students.

The House budget bill target allocated $40 million in one-time funding for FY26-27 and no increase in FY28-29. The House has not yet advanced their education budget bill.

HOUSE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES COMMITTEE

Overall, the House Children and Families budget bill target was $25 million in FY26-27 and a budget reduction of $15 million in FY28-29. The key proposal in the bill appropriates one-time funding of $40 million for an IT modernization project of the child welfare system. Additional funding is also provided for food shelves, food banks and prepared meals, low-income asset-building programming, federal compliance for childcare assistance, and early learning scholarships.

SENATE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

The Senate Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee was required to reduce spending by $261 million in FY26-27 and reduce spending by $336.8 million in FY28-29. And while the target required them to reduce spending, the Senate HHS omnibus bill did include some new spending because the Senate HHS budget included budget cancellations, increases in certain health-related fees, shifts from the Health Care Access Fund, and an increase in the Provider Tax to make up for the spending reductions.

The Senate HHS budget bill funds programs and grants in the Departments of Human Services, Children, Youth, and Families, and Health. It includes funding for mental health programs like Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities and grants for youth mental health, HIV/AIDS support services, homelessness supports, and the establishment of a dementia services program. The bill also includes $10 million for an IT modernization project of the child welfare system, ongoing funding to meet federal compliance for childcare assistance, and funding for food shelves, food banks and prepared meals.

HOUSE HEALTH COMMITTEE

The House Health Committee budget target required a budget reduction of $50 million in FY26-27 and a budget reduction of $175 million in FY28-29. The House Health Committee has yet to come to an agreement on an omnibus health budget bill.

SENATE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 

The Senate Human Services Committee budget target required a reduction of $272 million in FY26-27 and a budget reduction of $430 million in FY28-29. The committee captured some of these budget reductions through reducing federal waiver expenditures, grant and administrative reductions and transfers, and billing and other fund modifications.

The bill includes new funding for several substance use disorder programs, support services for people with autism under age 21, and operating funds for the newest state agency, the Department of Direct Care and Treatment. The bill also moves the Governor’s Council on an Age-Friendly Minnesota into the Age-Friendly Minnesota Council and provides additional funding to the Minnesota Board on Aging. It also includes additional funding for critical access nursing facilities and payments to SEIU Healthcare under a self-directed bargaining agreement.

HOUSE HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 

The House Human Services Committee budget target required a reduction of $300 million in FY26-27 and $1 billion in FY28–29. The committee was able to capture some of these budget reductions through reducing waiver growth, funding cancellations, and billing modifications. The bill also includes a nursing facility surcharge, which is listed as a savings of just over $177 million over the next four years. It also would reinstate parental fees under the TEFRA program (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act), which provides Medical Assistance benefits for children with disabilities.

The House Human Services Budget invests $125 million over four years in the Community First Services and Supports program, which allows people greater independence by ensuring that they have services to stay in their own homes and replaces personal care assistance and the consumer support grant. It also includes funding for housing and homelessness support services like Safe Harbor Grants, Homeless Youth Act Grants, Shelter Capital and the Emergency Services Program. Finally, the bill funds programs to improve and expand internal systems, including the Department of Human Services program integrity and investigative analytics infrastructure and a new background studies disqualification program under the Office of the Inspector General to address fraud, waste, and abuse.

HOUSING COMMITTEES

The Senate Housing and Homeless Prevention Committee had a budget target of $3 million in FY 26-27 and $1 million in FY 28-29. In putting together their budget, the committee also took back $10 million from previously appropriated but unspent community stabilization funds. The Senate’s housing and homelessness budget invested largely in additional funding for the family homelessness prevention and assistance program. The bill also included additional funding for infrastructure programs in Greater Minnesota and community-based first-generation homebuyer programs.

The House Housing Finance and Policy Committee had a budget target of $75 million in FY26-27 and $7.6 million in FY28-29. The House budget includes one-time additional funding for housing infrastructure programs and workforce housing programs in Greater Minnesota, manufactured home grants, low-income affordable housing infrastructure programs, and Housing Infrastructure Bonds.

TRANSPORTATION

The House Transportation budget target provides no change from the February forecast base Transportation budget in FY 26-27 and FY 28-29. Key proposals found in the bill include additional funding in road construction, reductions in passenger rail service, delaying implementation of the greenhouse gas emissions assessment project and vehicle miles traveled requirements, and authorizing online driver license renewals.

The Senate Transportation omnibus bill target provides $227 million in reductions to the general fund in FY26-27 and $132 million in FY28-29. Some of the key provisions include additional funding for state roads, operating increases for MN Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety, numerous traffic safety measures, cancelation of funding for the proposed passenger train between Duluth and the Twin Cities, Northern Lights Express, and a temporary adjustment in the percentage of sales tax on auto parts appropriated to the Highway User Tax Distribution Fund.

TAXES

The House and Senate Taxes Committees are not subject to committee deadlines and generally produce tax bills later in the legislative session. Both committees have been holding hearings on bills and laying them over for consideration for future inclusion in an omnibus tax bill.

The House Taxes budget target reduces tax aids and credits by $40 million for FY26-27 and FY28-29. The Senate Taxes Committee target includes tax increases of $365 million in FY26-27 and $370 million in FY28-29.

KEY LEGISLATIVE DATES

April 11-21, 2025 – Passover/Easter Break

April 11, 2025 – Third Committee Deadline

April 23, 2025 – Gov. Walz’s State of the State Address

April 29, 2025 – Senate District 6 Special Election

May 19, 2025 – Last Day of the 2025 Minnesota Legislature (Adjournment)

THE IMPACT OF CITIZEN TESTIMONY

Testifying before a legislative committee is a powerful way to influence policy and ensure your voice is heard. However, the process can seem intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. So, Ewald’s Government Relations Team has created a video to walk you through the steps of preparing and delivering effective testimony. A recent blog post shares real stories about the impact of citizen testimony.

Watch the Video Now
 

Read Our Blog Post
 

HELPFUL RESOURCES TO FOLLOW ACTION AT THE STATE CAPITOL

Follow these links to keep up with action at the State Capitol:

To find your legislators, visit Who Represents Me

For updates on activities at the House of Representatives,
visit the House Session Daily website.

For updates on activities at the Senate, visit Senate Media Services.

To follow committee hearings, visit the Combined Committee Schedule.

To watch House committee and floor sessions, visit the
House of Representatives YouTube Channel.

To watch Senate committee and floor sessions, visit the Senate YouTube Channel.
 
 

 

 

Ewald at the Capitol: Special Elections

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HOUSE DISTRICT 40B SPECIAL ELECTION RESULTS

The vacant seat in House District 40B has now been filled, resolving the story of which party controls the Minnesota House. The special election for the seat was held on March 11, and the DFL candidate, David Gottfried, won 70.15% to Republican candidate Paul Wikstrom’s 29.75%. Last week he was sworn in, restoring the body to a 67-67 tie.

This development significantly changes the landscape for the rest of the legislative session, as a power-sharing agreement is now in place. This means that committees will be co-chaired by a Democrat and Republican with equal members from each party serving on the committee. Until last week, Republicans had been controlling committees with a one-vote advantage. The tie will put legislators’ ability to work together in a bipartisan manner to the test, particularly as they begin to craft the state budget for the upcoming biennium — because now bills will need bi-partisan votes to advance.

The power-sharing agreements also confirmed that Rep. Lisa Demuth (R) will continue to serve as Speaker of the House for the next two years and Republicans will maintain the majority on a new anti-fraud committee for two years.

SENATE DISTRICT 6 SPECIAL ELECTION

Just when things seemed to get back to normal after the House special election, an unexpected shakeup unfolded in the Senate last week. State Senator Justin Eichorn was arrested on March 17 during a police sting operation in Bloomington for solicitation of a minor. Facing bipartisan calls for his resignation and potential expulsion from the Senate, Eichorn resigned on March 20. Senate Democrats now hold a 34-32 majority in the Senate until a special election takes place. The governor has called a special election for April 29 with a primary on April 15. As of March 27, six people had filed to run — five Republicans and one DFLer. Filings opened March 26 and will close April 1.
 
GOVERNOR’S BUDGET PROPOSALS

Gov. Tim Walz released his new budget recommendations for the upcoming biennium on March 21, revising his previous recommendations to align with the more negative financial outlook in the February budget forecast. The proposal includes an additional $409 million reduction in spending over four years. It proposes additional cuts of $162 million for 2026-27 and $247 million for 2028-29, primarily in the education budget. The proposed cuts are on top of his budget recommendations released in January.

DEADLINES

Deadlines help narrow the number of active bills. Traditionally, a bill must clear all policy committees to meet the first deadline. The second deadline requires bills to clear all policy committees in both chambers. This year the legislature agreed to a combined first and second deadline, set for Friday, April 4.

The third deadline is set for when finance committees must pass their budget bills. That deadline is scheduled for April 11.

KEY LEGISLATIVE DATES

March 29-31, 2025 – Eid Recess

April 1, 2025 – Legislature Resumes

April 4, 2025 – First and Second Committee Deadlines

April 11-21, 2025 – Passover/Easter Break

April 11, 2025 – Third Committee Deadline

April 23, 2025 – Gov. Walz’s State of the State Address

April 29, 2025 – Senate District 6 Special Election

May 19, 2025 – Last Day of the 2025 Minnesota Legislature (Adjournment)

THE IMPACT OF CITIZEN TESTIMONY

Testifying before a legislative committee is a powerful way to influence policy and ensure your voice is heard. However, the process can seem intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. So, Ewald’s Government Relations Team has created a video to walk you through the steps of preparing and delivering effective testimony. A recent blog post shares real stories about the impact of citizen testimony.
Watch the Video Now
Read Our Blog Post

HELPFUL RESOURCES TO FOLLOW ACTION AT THE STATE CAPITOL

Follow these links to keep up with action at the State Capitol:

To find your legislators, visit Who Represents Me

For updates on activities at the House of Representatives,
visit the House Session Daily website.

For updates on activities at the Senate, visit Senate Media Services.

To follow committee hearings, visit the Combined Committee Schedule.

To watch House committee and floor sessions, visit the
House of Representatives YouTube Channel.

To watch Senate committee and floor sessions, visit the Senate YouTube Channel.
Secrets for Citizen Lobbyists: How to Testify at the Minnesota Legislature

The Impact of Citizen Testimony: Real Stories from the Capitol

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Introduction

The legislative process can often seem opaque and inaccessible to the average citizen. However, personal testimonies from constituents play a crucial role in shaping policy decisions. In this post, we’ll share real stories of how citizen testimony has made a significant impact at the Minnesota Capitol, illustrating the power of public engagement. For more inspiring examples and practical advice, watch our video on testifying before the Minnesota legislature.

The Role of Citizen Testimony

Citizen testimony provides legislators with valuable insights and firsthand accounts of how proposed laws affect their constituents. Unlike lobbyists, who represent specific interests, citizens speak from personal experience, making their contributions unique and highly impactful.

Case Study 1: Affordable Housing Initiative

One powerful example of impactful testimony comes from a recent affordable housing initiative. A constituent who had benefited from housing vouchers shared her story before a legislative committee. She detailed how the vouchers helped her transition from homelessness to stable housing and eventually to home ownership. Her testimony highlighted the real-life benefits of the program, helping to sway undecided legislators and secure additional funding for the initiative.

Case Study 2: Environmental Protection Bill

Another compelling story involves an environmental protection bill. A local farmer testified about the detrimental effects of pollution on his crops and livelihood. He provided data on crop yields and health issues in his community, linking them directly to pollution from nearby industrial activities. His detailed, fact-based testimony helped pass stricter environmental regulations, protecting both the environment and public health.

Why Your Testimony Matters

These stories underscore the importance of citizen engagement in the legislative process. Here’s why your testimony can make a difference:

  • Humanizing Policy Issues: Personal stories help legislators understand the human impact of their decisions.
  • Providing Expertise: Constituents often have valuable knowledge and experience that can inform better policymaking.
  • Influencing Outcomes: Well-crafted testimony can sway undecided legislators and build support for or against a bill.

Tips for Effective Testimony

To make your testimony as impactful as possible, consider these tips:

  • Be Authentic: Share your personal story, share the truth and speak from the heart. Authenticity resonates more than rehearsed speeches.
  • Be Prepared: Research the bill and understand as best as you can its implications. Provide data and evidence to support your points.
  • Be Concise: Respect the committee’s time. Focus on the most important points and stay within the allotted time.

Conclusion

Public testimony is a powerful tool in the committee process. By sharing your experiences and insights, you can help shape the laws that govern your community and state. For more real-life examples and guidance on how to make your testimony effective, watch our video on testifying before the Minnesota legislature. Remember, your voice matters. Engage with your legislators, testify before committees, and make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

Ewald at the Capitol: Work Is Moving Rapidly; MMB Releases Budget Forecast

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WORK IS MOVING RAPIDLY; COMMITTEE DEADLINES ANNOUNCED

With the uncertainty of the first few weeks of the legislative session behind us, work at the Capitol has been moving along at a rapid pace. The House is being run by a 67-66 Republican majority. Bills are moving through the committee process, and some have even made it to the House Floor.

A special election for the vacant seat in House District 40B will be held on March 11, which might shake things up by restoring the House to a 67-67 tie. Legislation is humming along in the Senate as well, which has an established 34-33 DFL majority.

Committee deadlines have been announced, providing a timeline for passing bills through the committee process. The first and second deadlines, where committees must act favorably on bills in both bodies, are scheduled for April 4. The third deadline, for major appropriation and finance bills, is scheduled for April 11.

BUDGET FORECAST

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released its February budget forecast on Thursday, a critical milestone as the legislature begins crafting Minnesota’s state budget for the next two fiscal years.

The forecast shows a challenging outlook for the state’s finances. The projected balance for Fiscal Year 2026-27 is $456 million, which is $160 million lower than estimates in November. The projected deficit for Fiscal Year 2028-29 has risen as well, from $5.15 billion in November to almost $6 billion. Spending is outpacing revenue, largely due to increased costs in education and health and human services (HHS). HHS spending is set to become the largest part of the state budget, driven mainly by long-term care costs.

In a Thursday press conference, MMB officials also spoke about how changing policies at the federal level — like tariffs, spending cuts, and layoffs of federal workers — are introducing uncertainty into the economic forecast.

Gov. Tim Walz, speaking on the new forecast, emphasized that his budget will focus on curbing spending growth “around the edges” without stopping or drastically cutting services. Key provisions in his budget proposal from January include a reduction in special education transportation funding, a cap on automatic year-over-year growth rates in Medicaid waivers, and an expansion of the sales tax base to services provided by investors, bankers and lawyers.

Leaders from both parties also spoke at the press conference. Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) leaders said that the state is in good economic shape, and that a worsening economic outlook is due to uncertainty around federal policies. Republican leaders placed the blame for the current state of Minnesota’s budget outlook on spending by the DFL trifecta during the past biennium.

House and Senate Leaders will use this updated forecast to develop budget targets for committees, which will give committee chairs an amount they have to spend as they begin developing their omnibus budget bills. Differences between the House and Senate budget bills will need to be worked out in a conference committee.

KEY LEGISLATIVE DATES

March 11, 2025 – House District 40B Special Election

March 29-31, 2025 – Eid Recess

April 1, 2025 – Legislature Resumes

April 4, 2025 – First and Second Committee Deadlines

April 11-21, 2025 – Passover/Easter Break

April 11, 2025 – Third Committee Deadline

May 19, 2025 – Last Day of the 2025 Minnesota Legislature (Adjournment)

THE IMPACT OF CITIZEN TESTIMONY

Testifying before a legislative committee is a powerful way to influence policy and ensure your voice is heard. However, the process can seem intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. So, Ewald’s Government Relations Team has created a video to walk you through the steps of preparing and delivering effective testimony.
Watch the Video Now
 

HELPFUL RESOURCES TO FOLLOW ACTION AT THE STATE CAPITOL

Follow these links to keep up with action at the State Capitol:

To find your legislators, visit Who Represents Me

For updates on activities at the House of Representatives,
visit the House Session Daily website.

For updates on activities at the Senate, visit Senate Media Services.

To follow committee hearings, visit the Combined Committee Schedule.

To watch House committee and floor sessions, visit the
House of Representatives YouTube Channel.

To watch Senate committee and floor sessions, visit the Senate YouTube Channel.
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A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting and Delivering Effective Legislative Testimony

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Introduction

Testifying before a legislative committee is a powerful way to influence policy and ensure your voice is heard. However, the process can seem intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of preparing and delivering effective testimony, helping you make a meaningful impact. For a deeper dive into the process, be sure to watch our video on testifying before the Minnesota legislature, where we provide real-life examples and additional tips.

Understanding the Legislative Process

Before diving into the specifics of testimony, it’s important to understand the legislative process. Bills are introduced and assigned to committees, where they are debated, amended and voted on. Public testimony is often a critical part of these committee hearings, allowing citizens to present their views directly to lawmakers.

Step 1: Tracking the Bill

The first step in preparing to testify is to be aware there is legislation that could impact your area of interest. The news media covers some of the high-profile bills that are introduced at the legislature, but because thousands of bills are introduced every year, not all of them get media attention. Ewald’s Government Relations team can do that monitoring for you. Contact us for details. Once you know there is a bill, you will want to stay informed about when and where the bill you care about will be heard. You can set up an alert to track your bill on the Minnesota Legislature website. Committees typically post their schedules online a few days in advance, but sometimes they don’t post their schedules until the day before the hearing. Regularly check these schedules to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to speak on the issues that matter to you.

Step 2: Signing Up to Testify

Once you’ve identified a bill you want to speak on, it’s time to sign up to testify. Here’s how:

  • Contact the Committee Administrator: Email or call the committee administrator to get on the testifier list. Provide your name, the bill you’re addressing, and whether you support or oppose it.
  • Confirm the Details: Ask how long you’ll have to speak, whether testimony is in-person or virtual, and if there are any specific procedures you need to follow.

Step 3: Crafting Your Testimony

Crafting your testimony is crucial to ensuring your message is clear, concise and impactful. Here’s how to do it:

  • Understand Your Audience: Legislators may not be experts on every issue. Your goal is to educate and persuade them by presenting clear, factual arguments. Our video showcases effective testimonies that you can use as inspiration.
  • Structure Your Testimony: A typical testimony should follow this structure:
    • Introduction: Address the chair and committee members, state your name, any organization you represent, and the bill number with your position on the bill.
    • Body: Explain the issue, provide supporting data and share personal stories that illustrate the bill’s impact.
    • Conclusion: Summarize your key points, restate your position and thank the committee for their time.
  • Be Concise: Legislators often have limited time, so it’s essential to make your points quickly and avoid unnecessary details. Aim to be clear and to the point.
  • Use Personal Stories: Personal experiences resonate more than abstract arguments. Explain how the bill affects you or your community to make your testimony more compelling.
  • Support with Facts: Bolster your arguments with data and evidence. This adds credibility and can help persuade undecided legislators.

Step 4: Practicing Your Testimony

Preparation is key to delivering effective testimony. But remember, you do not have to memorize your testimony — reading it from a script is a great way to ensure you stay on task, on time, and get your message across. Follow these additional tips to ensure you’re ready:

  • Practice Aloud: Reading your testimony aloud will help you get comfortable with the material and identify any awkward phrasing.
  • Simulate the Environment: Practice in a setting with background noise to mimic the hearing environment. This helps you stay focused and clear during distractions.
  • Time Yourself: Ensure your testimony fits within the allotted time. It’s better to finish slightly early than to run over.
  • Seek Feedback: Practice in front of friends or family and ask for their input. Adjust based on their suggestions.

Step 5: Delivering Your Testimony

When the day arrives, remember these key points to make your testimony as effective as possible:

  • Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to find the room, check in with the committee staff, and get settled.
  • Stay Calm and Clear: Speak slowly, enunciate clearly, and project your voice. Confidence and clarity are crucial in making a strong impression.
  • Maintain Eye Contact: Try to engage with the committee members by maintaining eye contact. This helps convey sincerity and confidence.
  • Be Prepared for Questions: Legislators may ask follow-up questions for clarification. If you don’t know an answer, it’s okay to say so and offer to follow up later.

Step 6: Following Up

After your testimony, follow up with committee members if you promised additional information. This helps reinforce your commitment and keeps the conversation going. It’s also a good opportunity to build relationships with legislators who may become key allies.

Conclusion

Testifying before the Minnesota legislature is a powerful way to contribute to the democratic process. By following these steps, you can craft and deliver effective testimony that resonates with lawmakers and helps shape policy. For a more detailed exploration of this process, including real-life examples, watch our video on how to testify. Remember, your voice matters — make it count by being prepared, confident, and clear in your message.

Ewald at the Capitol: House Reaches Deal to End Stalemate; DFL Regains Control in Senate

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HOUSE REACHES DEAL TO END STALEMATE; DFL REGAINS CONTROL IN SENATE

Things at the Capitol have started to revert to normal as the fourth week of the legislative session comes to a close. On Monday, the Senate swore in its newest member, Sen. Doran Clark (DFL-Minneapolis), bringing the body back to a 34-33 DFL majority. The new DFL majority terminated the power-sharing agreement the body was operating under, so they will have full control of committees going forward.

In the House, the nearly month-long stalemate has come to a close. House leadership agreed on how to organize the body, with Rep. Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Springs) serving as Speaker of the House for the next two years.

The agreement allows Republicans to chair committees while they have a 67-66 majority, until the special election to fill the seat in 40B on March 11. If the DFL wins the seat, the House will be tied 67-67 and committees will be run by co-chairs from each party. Until then, Republicans will have a one-seat majority on committees.

Another provision of the agreement creates the House Fraud and Agency Oversight Committee to investigate fraud in state government programs. Last, the agreement requires Republicans to seat Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee), whose election was filled with uncertainty when it was discovered that 20 votes had been thrown out. With the agreement in place, DFL members returned to the Capitol Thursday for the first time this session, ending their three-week boycott. Work will now begin on putting together a new two-year state budget.

KEY DATES

Updated budget forecast: March 6

Eid: March 29-31

Easter/Passover: April 11-21

Constitutional adjournment: May 19

THE IMPACT OF CITIZEN TESTIMONY

Testifying before a legislative committee is a powerful way to influence policy and ensure your voice is heard. However, the process can seem intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. So, Ewald’s Government Relations Team has created a video to walk you through the steps of preparing and delivering effective testimony.
Watch the Video Now

HELPFUL RESOURCES TO FOLLOW ACTION AT THE STATE CAPITOL

A few helpful links to follow the action at the State Capitol:

To find your legislators, visit Who Represents Me

For updates on activities at the House of Representatives,
visit the House Session Daily website.

For updates on activities at the Senate, visit Senate Media Services.

To watch House committee and floor sessions, visit the
House of Representatives YouTube Channel.

To watch Senate committee and floor sessions, visit the Senate YouTube Channel.
 
Secrets for Citizen Lobbyists: How to Testify at the Minnesota Legislature

The Power of Your Voice in the Minnesota Legislature

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Introduction

The common misconception about participating in the legislative process is that it is difficult, cumbersome, hard to follow, and often unavailable for members of the public. In fact, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Minnesotans are lucky in that they have the power and responsibility to engage directly with their state elected officials, and one of the most impactful ways to do this is by testifying before legislative committees. To see this process in action and gain practical tips, watch our video on testifying before the Minnesota Legislature.

Why Your Testimony Matters

Speaking before a legislative committee might seem scary, especially if you’ve never done it before. However, personal testimonies can significantly influence the actions legislators take. Here’s why:

  1. Highlighting Unheard Issues: Legislators cannot be experts on every issue. Your testimony can bring new perspectives and information that may not have been considered.
  2. Providing Real-Life Impact: Elected officials want to hear from their constituents. Your direct experiences and expertise provide invaluable context to the bills they are debating.
  3. Educating Legislators: While lobbyists provide important information, legislators rely on the insights of people directly impacted by proposed legislation. Your voice can shape their understanding and decisions.

Preparing to Testify

Preparation is key to delivering effective testimony. Our video covers this in detail, but here’s a preview of some of those steps:

  1. Track the Bill: Monitor the committee schedule to know when the bill you’re interested in will be discussed.
  2. Get on the Testifier List: Contact the committee administrator to sign up. Provide your name, the bill you’re speaking about, and whether you support or oppose it.
  3. Craft Your Message: Focus your remarks on the specific bill, supported by facts and your personal experience. Be concise, as you’ll likely have less than three minutes to speak.
  4. Practice: Rehearse your testimony multiple times. Reading aloud with background noise can help you prepare for potential distractions.

Delivering Your Testimony

When the day comes, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Stay Calm and Clear: Begin by addressing the chair and committee members. State your name and the organization you represent, if applicable.
  2. Be Concise: Stick to the time limit and avoid being repetitive. Keep your message clear and straightforward.
  3. Be Prepared for Questions: Legislators may ask questions for clarification. It’s okay to admit if you don’t know an answer and offer to follow up later. But this is not the time to debate.

Follow Up

Your responsibility doesn’t end when you leave the testifier table. Follow up with committee members if you promised additional information. This shows your commitment and helps build a rapport with legislators.

Conclusion

Testifying before the Minnesota legislature is a powerful way to influence public policy and ensure that your voice is heard. To learn more and see real-life examples, watch our video on testifying before legislative committees. It demystifies the legislative process and showcases that our democracy thrives on active citizen participation. Your experiences and insights are invaluable—so step up, prepare, and make an impact.

Ewald at the Capitol: Chaotic Start to Legislative Session

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2025 LEGISLATIVE SESSION HAS CHAOTIC START

The lead-up to the 2025 legislative session has been filled with an unprecedented level of uncertainty. The 2024 election resulted in a 67-67 tie in the House. DFL and Republican legislative leaders came to a tentative power-sharing agreement to organize the 2025 session, which included committee structure, co-chairs, and appointments. However, this agreement fell apart due to complicated situations with two House seats. The DFL winner of the House District 40B seat, Curtis Johnson, was ruled ineligible to assume the seat as the judge found he did not meet the district’s residency requirements. A special election on January 28 will fill this seat. While the voting history of the district historically leans DFL, the outcome remains to be seen. Should voters elect the DFL candidate, the body will again be tied — but for now, Republicans have a 67-66 operational majority.

The other point of contention this year is the House District 54A seat, where DFL Incumbent Brad Tabke won reelection by 14 votes. The validity of the election was called into doubt upon the discovery that 20 ballots were thrown out by accident, a significant development due to the razor-thin margins of the election. A recount was held to rectify the situation, which Tabke won. The Republican candidate for the district challenged this outcome in court, citing the 20 missing ballots, but on January 14 a Scott County judge upheld the Tabke win and stated that there is no basis for a special election. Despite this, House Republican leaders have suggested that they may refuse to seat Tabke.

Given these unique circumstances, the start of the 2025 Legislative session on January 14 was tumultuous. Republicans have committed to acting as the governing party in the House with their 67-66 operational majority, which includes forming committees and electing the Speaker of the House. The DFL response is to deny a quorum by not attending House proceedings until a power-sharing agreement is formed, or until the body is once again tied after the special election. The DFL exacerbated tensions further by swearing in their members over the weekend at the Minnesota History Center.

Both sides held firm on Tuesday, creating a strange sight on the House Floor. Secretary of State Steve Simon presided over a half-full House Floor, with all DFL members absent. Simon found that a quorum was not present and subsequently adjourned the body. Republicans challenged the decision and continued with business by electing Rep. Lisa Demuth as Speaker of the House. Members have been meeting in committee throughout the week, with only Republican members present. DFL members have been meeting with constituents and lobbyists remotely or in their districts. The DFL is suing House Republicans over what they call an “unconstitutional session.” Secretary of State Simon also filed a legal petition asking the Minnesota State Supreme Court to void Republicans’ actions. Republicans plan on going forward with the work of the House, but indicate they would abide by a Supreme Court ruling. Gridlock is expected for the foreseeable future.

BIPARTISANSHIP IN THE SENATE

In contrast to the division in the House, proceedings in the Senate have been calm and agreeable. The body began the session with a 33-33 tie due to the death of Senator Kari Dziedzic in December. A special election to fill her seat in District 60 is scheduled for January 28, and is expected to go to the DFL. DFL and Republican leaders have come to a power-sharing agreement to govern the body until then. The agreement allows for co-presiding officers, co-chaired committees, and equal representation in committee membership. On Tuesday, DFL Sen. Bobby Joe Champion and Republican Sen. Jeremy Miller were elected co-presiding officers.

GOVERNOR RELEASES BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS

On January 16, Gov. Tim Walz released his budget proposal for the next biennium. The governor’s watchword during his Thursday afternoon press conference was “fiscal responsibility,” as he spoke about measures to trim state spending to balance the budget.

The proposal includes a sales tax reduction, while also “closing loopholes” in the tax code by expanding the sales tax to legal, banking, brokerage and accounting services. Other recommendations include an increased surcharge levied on health maintenance organizations, limits to growth rates in Medicaid waivers, a reduction in special education transportation reimbursement, and anti-fraud measures like increased enforcement authority and tougher penalties.

This budget proposal would leave $2.1 billion on the bottom line for Fiscal Year 26-27, and $355 million in fiscal year 28-29. A new budget forecast comes out in February, after which the Legislature will begin putting together its own budget proposals.

THE IMPACT OF CITIZEN TESTIMONY

Testifying before a legislative committee is a powerful way to influence policy and ensure your voice is heard. However, the process can seem intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. So, Ewald’s Government Relations Team has created a video to walk you through the steps of preparing and delivering effective testimony. We’re putting the finishing touches on the video — keep an eye on your inbox for it next week!

HELPFUL RESOURCES

A few helpful links to follow the action at the State Capitol:

To find your legislators, visit Who Represents Me

For updates on activities at the House of Representatives,
visit the House Session Daily website.

For updates on activities at the Senate, visit Senate Media Services.

To watch House committee and floor sessions, visit the
House of Representatives YouTube Channel.

To watch Senate committee and floor sessions, visit the Senate YouTube Channel.

Ewald at the Capitol: State Budget Outlook

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STATE BUDGET OUTLOOK

On Wednesday, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released the state budget forecast, showing a mixed picture of the state’s financial outlook. The forecast indicates a $616 million surplus for the FY26-27 biennium, which is far less than anticipated. MMB also forecasts a structural imbalance ranging from $3.5 billion to $5.1 billion for the FY28-29 biennium, causing concerns about the state’s future financial stability.

For more information on the budget, you can read the entire forecast here as well as the presentation documents.

HOUSE COMMITTEE UPDATE

With the 67-67 tie in the House, much is still unknown about how power-sharing will work in the next legislative session. However, co-leaders Rep. Melissa Hortman and Rep. Lisa Demuth have agreed to a committee structure and appointed committee chairs. Under this agreement, committees will be chaired by DFL and Republican co-chairs and committee membership will be equally divided. Committee chairs were recently named, but committee membership is not yet determined.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

A few helpful links to follow the election and other action at the State Capitol:

To find your legislators, visit Who Represents Me

To view the election results, visit The Secretary of State’s Website

Ewald at the Capitol: Election Updates

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Ewald at the Capitol – November 8, 2024

 

 

ELECTION UPDATES

On Tuesday, November 5, voters went to the polls to elect President and Vice President, Members of Congress, and the Minnesota House of Representatives, including one special state Senate election.

Along with the Presidency, Republicans were able to gain a majority in the U.S. Senate by flipping key seats in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Montana and Ohio. Several seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are still too close to call. Republicans came into the election with a 220-212 majority in the House.

While attention was mainly focused on the presidency, we are closely watching the state legislative races.

This year, Minnesotans voted on races in the Minnesota House of Representatives and one seat in the Minnesota Senate (District 45), which was a special election to replace retiring Sen. Kelly Morrison, who stepped down to run for Congress.

This was an extremely important race for both parties, with Republicans hoping to flip both houses. Coming into the election, Minnesota already had a unique legislative dynamic, with Democrats having a trifecta holding the Governorship, the Minnesota Senate with a 34-33 majority, and the Minnesota House with a 70-64 majority.

Democrats ultimately were able to keep control of the Senate with DFL Senator-elect Ann Johnson Stewart winning 52% of the vote. Meanwhile, House Republicans needed to win four seats to take control — they managed to win three. Republicans won vacant seats in districts 26A and 7B (both previously held by DFLers), and in 18A newcomer Erica Schwartz defeated incumbent DFLer Jeff Brand. This brought a 67-67 tie between the parties.

State law dictates that when a state legislative candidate wins by less than 0.5%, there is a publicly funded recount in that race. So, two races are automatically headed to a recount due to being too close to call. In District 14B, Democrat Dan Wolgamott won reelection by 28 votes, while in District 54A, Democrat Brad Tabke won reelection by 13 votes.

What if there is a 67-67 tie? The last time this occurred in Minnesota was in 1979 — we had a peanut farmer in the White House and the number one movie in January 1979 was a re-release of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians. The Minnesota Secretary of State is charged with gaveling in a new House, and so that year, Secretary of State Joan Growe, acting as temporary presiding officer, presided over the tied body to perform basic business — but she could not name committee chairs or set committees. After five days, an agreement was reached where the Republicans would get the speakership and the DFL would chair the rules, taxes, and appropriations committees and get one vote majorities on those committees. Bills that got to the House floor almost always had bipartisan support, and members rarely missed committee meetings or floor sessions. But as with all stories that start off easy, the end gets a little more colorful. If you’d like to learn more on the whole story, you can find it here.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

A few helpful links to follow the election and other action at the State Capitol:

To find your legislators, visit Who Represents Me

To view and/or keep up with election results, visit The Secretary of State’s Website

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