Governor Declares Capitol Open, Special Session Could Begin Today

Just when budget negotiations appeared to be headed toward another impasse, quick work from Gov. Mark Dayton and GOP leaders led to a Monday evening announcement that Minnesota legislators could be back in their seats to confirm a deal as early as today.

The parties gave cursory approval to the Public Safety/Judiciary and Transportation bills Monday afternoon and then, around 8 p.m., approved $664 million for an Environment bill.

The fourth approved bill of the day was an estimated $178 million state government bill that appropriated funds to outdoor heritage preservation.     

The four bills worked out Monday are the latest legislative moves in the past two days.

MPR News reported Sunday evening that a handshake deal was reached on an $11 billion Health and Human Services bill, but that budget has not been confirmed by either party.

In a move aimed at building transparency within the special legislative session, Dayton’s office issued a statement Monday night confirming that the State Capitol would be open to the public as of 9 a.m. Tuesday.

“The Governor ordered the (Capitol) doors opened to allow public access and transparency as the Legislature prepares to reconvene to pass a budget,” the statement read.

Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch (R-Buffalo), who represents Wright County, said the public is ready to see the Legislature "finish the job we were elected to do." 

"This government shutdown had a rippling effect of individuals, families and businesses all over Minnesota," Koch said in a statement. "Having an agreement in place is a certain sign of relief for those most adversely affected by the shutdown."

The government shutdown will end once the Legislature passes the bills and Dayton signs them into law.