The legislature adjourned their special session early Saturday morning with no deal in distributing CARES dollars to local counties and municipalities, police reform or the bonding bill.
Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said he would be willing to come back for yet another special session to pass the bonding bill.
Minnesota’s infrastructure union LIUNA issued a statement Saturday, expressing disappointment with the Senate and House Republican Caucuses.
“We are disappointed Majority Leader Paul Gazelka and the Senate Republican Caucus unnecessarily chose to end without getting the job done. We are profoundly disgusted by Minority Leader Kurt Daudt and the House Republican Caucus for recklessly preventing the creation of 45,000 construction jobs in the last 13 months — at a critical time when we need to meet the need for infrastructure, keep Minnesotans working and stimulate our economy,” said LIUNA president and business manager Joel Smith.
“On behalf of more than 28,000 members and family members of LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota, we call on Governor Tim Walz to call a special session for the sole purpose of passing a robust infrastructure bill. Minnesota workers and communities deserve nothing less.”
The city of Bemidji has requested millions of dollars in the state infrastructure bonding package to build a water treatment plant, which due to begin construction this year.
Lawmakers did approve a $62 million relief measure for Minnesota’s small businesses affected by COVID-19-related shutdowns.
Gov. Tim Walz is anticipated to order a second special session to address the unfinished work of the legislature.
