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Hello from the State Capitol,
Governor Walz and legislative Democrats continue their pursuit of a special session, as on Tuesday they unveiled a vague agreement they want Republican leadership to sign prior to its calling. It’s not going to happen.
For those who don’t follow politics closely, here’s how the process works. Governor Walz is the only person who can call a special session, but once he does the legislature determines what bills are going to be heard and debated, unless there is a prior agreement between all sides.
If no agreement exists, any bill would have to go through the traditional committee hearing process before moving ahead for a House (or Senate) floor vote. If, at any committee stop along the way, the bill does not receive a majority of votes for approval, it will not move forward to the next committee stop, and more importantly it will not get to the House or Senate floor. With Democrats holding a 1 seat majority in the Senate, and the House having an equal number of Republicans and Democrats, any bill will need bipartisan support to move forward.
In other words, controversial proposals brought up by either side are likely not going anywhere.
On Monday, House Republicans sent the governor a handful of topics we believe could be approved in bipartisan fashion if he felt compelled to call a special session. He rejected that document.
Governor Walz wants House and Senate leadership to agree to hold a special session and only pass topics he wants approved. It’s an odd ask on his part, because that’s not how democracy works. Remember, no kings.
Should Governor Walz call a special session, we will all show up to do the work and look for ways to keep our communities safer, as well as address other subjects, like the rampant fraud that continues to come to light – seemingly weekly – under this administration. But the governor won’t be setting the agenda. That will be up to the legislature. He can’t have his cake and eat it too.
BADGER VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
Last month, I had the honor of speaking at the rededication of the Badger Veterans Memorial Park. This isn't just a place of bricks and steel; it's a testament to the sacrifice of our veterans and their families.
We are so grateful for the incredible community effort that made this park possible. The dedication of our neighbors, volunteers, and local businesses reflects the same spirit of service we honor in our military. This memorial will forever stand as a place to remember the cost of liberty and to ensure the legacy of our heroes never fades.
Thank you to all who served and to all who helped make this a reality.
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