Minnesota Legislature Adjourns Without Finalizing Budget; Special Session Imminent

Minnesota Legislature Adjourns Without Finalizing Budget; Special Session Imminent

ST. PAUL, MN — May 20, 2025 — The Minnesota Legislature concluded its regular session on Monday, May 19, without completing the state’s two-year budget, necessitating a special session to finalize critical funding measures.

Despite reaching a tentative $66 billion budget framework on May 15, lawmakers were unable to pass all necessary appropriations bills before the constitutional adjournment deadline. While some budget bills were approved, key areas—including education, health and human services, and tax legislation—remain unresolved.

Governor Tim Walz has indicated that he will call a special session once legislative leaders finalize agreements on the outstanding issues. He expressed a desire for a concise special session to complete the budget process.

The 2025 session was marked by intense negotiations within a closely divided Legislature, with the House split 67-67 between Democrats and Republicans and the Senate holding a narrow Democratic majority. This division contributed to the challenges in reaching consensus on the budget.

Key components of the tentative budget deal include the phase-out of state-funded MinnesotaCare health insurance for undocumented adult immigrants by 2026, continued unemployment benefits for hourly school workers during summer, and the preservation of a new paid family leave law set for implementation in January.

As the state approaches the July 1 deadline to enact a new budget and avoid a government shutdown, legislative leaders are working to resolve the remaining issues promptly. Working groups have been tasked with finalizing agreements by Wednesday, May 21, to facilitate the special session.

The upcoming special session will be the first since 2021, underscoring the urgency and significance of the current budgetary impasse.

For continued coverage of Minnesota's legislative developments, stay tuned to MinneapoliMedia.