or 
lines to the right of the URL bar at the top of your browser
League Signs Letter Urging Special Session
The League is among 17 local government organizations calling on the governor and Legislature to hold a special session to address critical needs.
The League of Minnesota Cities joined a broad coalition of local government advocacy groups in calling on state lawmakers to convene a special session to address lingering issues that were left unresolved when the regular legislative session concluded in May.
League President Ron Johnson and representatives from 16 other associations representing cities, counties, townships, and school districts signed a letter to Gov. Tim Walz, Lieutenant Gov. Peggy Flanagan, and members of the Minnesota House and Senate urging action on “issues that need attention now and should not wait until 2023.”
Read the letter and see the list of co-signing organizations (pdf)
What the letter included
Among the critical concerns highlighted in the Aug. 10 letter were:
- Public safety labor shortages.
- Delays in addressing the state’s matching funds for the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
- The need for a bonding bill that addresses transportation, transit, and infrastructure projects.
- Regulation of edible cannabinoid products.
- Funding for social services and mental health support services.
The letter calls on the governor and legislators to hold a special session to:
- Finalize supplemental budget and tax bills
- Pass a capital investment bill and state matching funds to unlock federal IIJA funding.
- Create a state framework for regulating eligible cannabinoid products.
Responses to the letter
The League received a call from the governor’s office acknowledging the letter and indicating that they have also received many local resolutions from local governments urging an agreement on a special session to complete unfinished business.
The only written response the League has received as of Aug. 22 was from Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park). In a letter dated Aug. 17, Speaker Hortman said she supports holding a special session to address several issues, including many of the ones mentioned by the local government groups.