The Minnesota Legislature reconvene this week, and lawmakers will make decisions that will affect almost everyone in Minnesota in some way.
They likely will consider a capital investment package to pay for infrastructure projects for schools, colleges and universities, parks, roads and bridges and more. They also will debate how to best deal with fraud in state government programs and the impact of the federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
The session official began Tuesday with a memorial to slain former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband.
It’s worth keeping in mind that neither party is in full control of state government, and highly partisan issues such as gun control are unlikely to see significant action. Bills that make it to the governor’s desk will be the product of compromise.
Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
If you’re interested in getting involved or just tracking progress, here are some tips on how to do so:
How do I find out who represents me?
Go to the Legislature’s Geographic Information Services page at gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/. Type in your address to find your senator and representative, and contact information for them.
How do I contact my legislators?
Click on the “members” link for the House or Senate at leg.state.mn.us or call the House Public Information Services office at 651-296-2146 or the Senate Information Office at 651-296-0504.
How do I keep track of what’s happening?
The Pioneer Press will report on major issues at the Capitol and provide breaking news as well as archived coverage at twincities.com/news/politics. Subscribers to Twincities.com can sign up for the Capitol Report newsletter by clicking the “All Sections” tab on the left hand side of the homepage and going to the bottom.
The Legislature also provides an array of information. Check its website at leg.state.mn.us to find bills and ways to track those you’re interested in, as well as committee schedules and reports on legislative activities. You can sign up for committee mailing lists, news releases from your legislators and a customized bill-tracking service.
Minnesota Senate Democratic Majority Leader Erin Murphy talks with reporters on the Senate floor in the Minnesota State Capitol. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)
How can I participate in committee meetings?
To speak at a hearing, contact the committee chair or its staff members and ask to be put on the agenda. Senate committees meet in the Capitol; House committees meet in the State Office Building. The sessions are open to the public.
How do I get into the Capitol?
The primary entrance for visitors is on the ground level under the south steps of the state Capitol. This year there are metal detectors as part of increased security. A weapons screening requirement at the state Capitol will help keep prohibited weapons like knives out of the building, but visitors are still be able to carry handguns if they have the proper permit.
Where can I park when I visit the Capitol?
Several parking ramps and lots near the Capitol provide metered spaces for the public, and there is also a limited amount of metered street parking. The Administration Department provides maps and parking cost information at mn.gov/admin/citizen/buildings-grounds/parking.
Margaret Smith, 7, is chased by her sister, Saoirse, 5, in the Rotunda of the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on Thursday, June 10, 2021. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)
Key dates for the 2026 session
Here are some key dates for the 2014 Legislature:
Feb. 17: The House and Senate convene.
March 27: The first and second committee deadline. To remain alive, a House bill must be approved by a House committee and a Senate bill by a Senate committee by this date.
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March 28: Second committee deadline. Bills that met the first committee deadline must be approved by a committee in the other house.
April 17: Committees must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills.
The annual Easter/Passover break is scheduled to begin on March 27. The Legislature will be in recess until 8 a.m. on April 7.
The Legislature must complete its work by May 18.
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