C-Notes: May 20, 2025
Executive Director Report
Yesterday marked the final day that the Minnesota legislature can meet pursuant to the state constitution and both the House and Senate must adjourn by midnight tonight. The problem is that the legislature has not completed its primary task, which is to pass a two-year balanced budget. That isn’t necessarily a surprise, given that you’ll recall from our previous update regarding the global agreement amongst legislative leadership included a two-day special session that was to be scheduled later this week. The plan before the weekend was to move many of the “smaller” bills, such as public safety, commerce, agriculture, energy, and higher education by the end of the day today and leave the larger finance bills that account for the majority of the state budget, such as education and health and human services, for later this week. To date, they’ve only completed about half of the “small” bills and the education and health and human services bills are stalled out.
Legislative leaders and conference committees continue to meet throughout the afternoon and evening and there’s a possibility that the higher education and state government finance bills could pass yet tonight. The balance of the bills will be dealt with in a special session.
What’s Next?
The Governor must now call a special session at some point in the near future in order to finish the budget bills. The Governor convenes the special session but the legislature decides when to adjourn. If history is any guide, legislative leadership and the Governor will agree to a document that outlines the specific agenda and timeline of a special session. No timeline has been given yet as to when a special session may happen.
The next important deadline that the legislature needs to pay attention to is the end of the state’s fiscal year, which is midnight on June 30. Any area of government that isn’t funded by that date and time will shut down. Because shutting down the government is actually a relatively large undertaking, there is a lot of preparation that must be done just in case it could happen. For example, layoff notices for state employees start going out June 1, and once that happens it will be more of a story in the media. House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman said that she hopes they can get done by June 1, but that has not been agreed to by other legislative leaders.
Thank you to the team at Cozen O'Connor for their work on our behalf and for keeping MCPA staff and members informed throughout the session. We will update you all once the Governor calls for a special session.
Jeff Potts
Executive Director
Fall Conference Interest Survey Reminder
Last week, MCPA sent out a short survey to gather member input on the potential for a fall conference. If you haven’t completed it yet, the survey will be re-sent this Thursday to those who haven’t responded. It is important that we hear from our members, as your feedback will help shape future planning. Please take a few minutes to complete it.
9 Things to Know About Peer Support
The Peer Support Advisory Board to the League of Minnesota Cities has written a short, informative article on peer support in first responder agencies. “9 Things You Need to Know About Peer Support” is designed to educate, dispel common myths, and help agencies overcome barriers to implementing peer support programs as part of their wellness efforts.
Weapon Lights Available for Law Enforcement Agencies
The State of Minnesota’s Surplus Services division currently has approximately 200 TLR-1 HL Streamlight weapon lights available for purchase at $25 each (two model types available). These are being offered to law enforcement agencies before being listed for public auction at https://mnbid.mn.gov/.
Departments interested in purchasing or learning more can contact Surplus Services at 651-639-4022 or visit in person at 5420 Rice Creek Parkway, Arden Hills, MN. Supplies are limited.
