Government Affairs Director
Ewald Consulting
MASA Lobbyist
There’s no shortage of activity this legislative interim. A special session is still on the table, and two upcoming special elections in the House and Senate could shift the political landscape. In the meantime, interim working groups are tackling issues that will set the stage for next year’s debates.
There are also discussions about enhancing security at the Capitol, which could result in noticeable changes for staff and visitors next session. We’ll be following these developments closely and keeping you updated as things progress.
Special session?
Governor Walz and legislative leaders have met several times to discuss the possibility of a special session on gun violence following the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. So far, there has been little progress toward a decision on whether, or how, to move forward. Because the legislature is evenly split along party lines, any legislation would require bipartisan support, a challenge given differing policy priorities and disagreements over gun control measures.
Interim working groups
Last session’s education finance bill created several interim groups to examine key issues and propose legislative changes. Learn more about each group below.
Blue Ribbon Commission on Special Education
By October 2026, the commission must present a plan to the legislature and governor outlining reforms to improve services for students with disabilities while ensuring access to a free, appropriate public education, and that achieves $250 million in savings. If these savings are not realized, the Commissioner of Education must implement a corresponding reduction in special education cross-subsidy aid beginning in FY 2028–29.
Compensatory Revenue Task Force
A new task force will evaluate how compensatory revenue is generated and used to support students not meeting academic standards. Its work includes reviewing which students qualify, identifying the best demographic measures, considering data sources such as tax and census records, and assessing whether funding should be determined at the district or school level. The task force must submit a preliminary report to the legislature by February 25, 2026, and a final report to the legislature by October 15, 2026.
This group is charged with evaluating the use of seclusion as an emergency procedure.
The working group will evaluate the use of seclusion as an emergency procedure. The working group must report its findings to the legislature no later than January 30, 2026.
Developmental Delay Working Group
This group was established to review the current age limit in special education law that restricts eligibility for developmental delay services to children under age seven, and to assess the impact of extending eligibility to children under age nine. The working group must report its findings and recommendations to the legislature by February 1, 2026.
Budget outlook
The August Revenue and Economic Update from Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) showed the state’s general fund revenues totaled $2.14 billion, $86 million (4.2%) above forecast. Individual income and sales tax and other revenues were above forecast. Fiscal year-to-date receipts are now $4.3 billion, $22 million (0.5%) above forecast. MMB will release another monthly update in October, but the most complete picture of state finances will be available when the November forecast is released in early December.
Special Elections and other election news
Minnesota is experiencing considerable political turnover this year, with multiple special elections underway and several high-profile legislators launching campaigns for higher office.
Currently, there are two vacant seats in the state senate to be filled in a November 4 special election. In Senate District 49, vacant since the unexpected death of Senator Bruce Anderson, Republican candidate Michael Holmstrom will face DFLer Louis McNutt. In Senate District 47, empty since the resignation of Senator Nicole Mitchell, Republican Dwight Dorau faces DFLer Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, a current state representative in the MN House.
In the House, DFLer Xp Lee won the 34B special election, filling the seat of late Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman. Lee, who was born in a refugee camp in Thailand, is a former Brooklyn Park City Council member and health equity analyst at the MN Department of Health. His win restores the Minnesota House of Representatives to a 67-67 tie, preserving a power-sharing agreement crafted in 2025 after election results left neither party in full control. Under that deal, committee leadership and most legislative processes are split evenly or require bipartisan cooperation.
More special elections may also follow, depending on the outcomes of the special elections and two upcoming local races this fall that feature sitting legislators. Among them, Senator Omar Fateh is running for mayor of Minneapolis, and Representative Kaohly Her is running for mayor of St. Paul.
Additionally, the 2026 election cycle is already beginning to take shape. Representative Kristin Robbins has announced her candidacy for governor, while Representative Cedrick Frazier has announced he is running for Hennepin County Attorney.
Senator Eric Pratt is joining fellow Senator Matt Klein in running for Congressional District 2, aiming to succeed Congresswoman Angie Craig, who launched a bid for the U.S. Senate. Lastly, Representative Ben Bakeberg has entered the race for Senator Pratt’s current senate seat.
Possible security changes
The Advisory Committee on Capitol Security met in August to discuss potential safety upgrades at the Minnesota Capitol in response to the June shootings that killed Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband and injured Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
The committee began discussing recommendations such as installing metal detectors, banning firearms on the premises, requiring bag checks, and promoting greater situational awareness. The committee will reconvene next month. Meanwhile, the Department of Public Safety has already implemented several measures, including reducing the number of public entrances, installing alarms on external doors, and hiring additional security officers.
Planning for the 2026 legislative session
MASA’s legislative committee will meet in the fall to determine MASA’s legislative priorities, and we have been gathering your ideas for the legislative committee. If you have ideas about topics to consider, please email Deb Henton or Valerie Dosland at valeried@ewald.com, and we will bring your ideas to the legislative committee.
The ever-shifting election landscape underscores the importance of continually building and strengthening your relationships with legislators. These connections help legislators learn about your district, ask questions, and share what they hope to see in the next legislative session.
Here’s a reminder of practical ways you can engage with your elected officials:
- Arrange one-on-one meetings in your district to share key concerns, highlight achievements, and explain needs. Use these meetings to build personal connections, strengthen relationships, and learn the legislator’s preferred way to stay in touch year-round.
- Invite legislators to tour your district, visit a program, or attend special events held in the district. This allows them to get to know the district and see what you do to serve kids and families.
- Host a legislative event with your entire legislative delegation. You can use this to highlight a specific school, discuss your legislative priorities, and help you interact with them more intentionally than you normally can during the legislative session.
- Attend legislative town hall events/community meetings hosted by your state legislator or other events in your community where you might be able to interact with your state legislator.
- Share information related to the district via email and offer to be a resource for them on issues impacting your district.
- Stay informed by subscribing to your elected official’s newsletters. You can find this information for state representatives here, and for state senators here.
Thank you for your advocacy. I know the start of the school year is busy, but your efforts strengthen MASA’s work on your behalf at the Capitol.
