During a frigid week in Minnesota, partisan rhetoric is beginning to heat up. Committees are continuing to hear more bills, and Republicans continue to push Governor Tim Walz to further “open up” business and schools in Minnesota.

Budget Cue

This week saw a continuation of positive state budget news. With January revenues in the books, Fiscal Year 2021 revenues are now $459 million more than what was estimated in the November Forecast. Individual income, sales and corporate taxes each beat expectations. With the upcoming February forecast, which legislators use to set the next biennial budget, being released in early March, this news should be a preface to an improving budget outlook.

Turning the Dials?

Republicans and the hospitality industry have been putting pressure on Governor Tim Walz to adjust the dials on COVID-19 restrictions on businesses. Republicans would like to provide businesses, including restaurants and event centers, with a specific date that they would be allowed to fully re-open, and have proposed May 1 as that date. Governor Walz has been hesitant to make changes, citing uncertainty due to the virus variants that have begun to circulate.

COVID Liability

Introduced earlier this month, S.F. 512, Sen. Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) / H.F. 571, Rep. Kelly Morrison (DFL-Deephaven), would shield hospitals, nursing homes and health care professionals from liability over health care decisions made due to the pandemic. The health care industry has been advocating for these protections since last spring, but significant resistance exists from consumer advocates. To date, the legislation has not had a hearing.

Clean Energy First

Legislation referred to as Clean Energy First, H.F. 10, Rep. Zack Stephenson, (DFL-Coon Rapids), which would require new electric generation to be replaced by renewable energy, was approved in the House Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee. Passed on a party-line vote in committee, the bill faces an uncertain future in the Senate.

Gazelka for Governor?

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) has long been rumored to be considering a run for governor in 2022. While being interviewed on the radio this week, he made his strongest statement yet about his thoughts on the issue, saying, “Well, I’m at least considering it. I did four years ago and felt like I would best serve the state as the leader of the Senate. I know that this budget cycle is really important for Minnesota. So I told people I’ll make some sort of decision this summer.”

February 12, 2021