To reduce chances of deadlock over the state budget which could force a special session or even state government shutdown, Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders have set specific deadlines in early May for completing important work such as passing budget bills. House Speaker Melissa Hortman says, “The reason we’re announcing this publicly, instead of having this be a deal between the three of us [Walz, Hortman and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka], is we fully expect you will hold us accountable to meet these deadlines, and that public pressure will be good for the process.”
Leaders want agreement between the House and Senate on major budget bills by May 13th, a week before the deadline for the legislature to adjourn.