If Governor Tim Walz calls lawmakers back to Saint Paul later this week for a special session, don’t expect quick action on major issues such as police reform and a bonding bill. Hamline University Professor David Schultz says, “Even though there was a little brief window in the [regular] session there when the legislature and the governor agreed on some COVID-19 legislation, we’re now coming back in June potentially with a legislature that was just as divided as [when] we started.”
House Republican leaders refused to pass a bonding bill unless Walz relinquishes his emergency COVID authority — but Schultz contends the governor has strengthened his bargaining position by allowing significant segments of Minnesota’s economy to reopen.