Politics Friday: Lawmakers slog toward budget conclusion as special session is set

It’s been about three weeks since the the Legislature adjourned from the 2025 session without completing a state budget.

Since then, teams of negotiators have met, mostly in private, to try to chart a path to the end and craft remaining budget bills. Lawmakers will have to complete this task to avoid a partial government shutdown that would interrupt services in state parks, key health programs, driver’s licensing exams and more. 

A one-day special session has been called for 10 a.m. Monday. Will there be enough votes to approve a final compromise? 

MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with two House leaders about a state budget and what could happen if the budget deal isn’t met.

Later in the program, a look at the return-to-office for many state employees and a roundtable with Capitol journalists on everything happening in this not-so-quiet start to summer. 

Guests:  

• GOP Floor Leader of the House Harry Niska, Ramsey 
• DFL Floor Leader of the House Jamie Long, Minneapolis 
• Former Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget Jim Schowalter

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.