Minnesota may be headed for another special session later this summer or fall

ST. PAUL (KVRR/FOX9) — Gov. Tim Walz has still not called for a special session to finish up budget work in Minnesota.

That’s because working groups are still trying to iron out differences on a number of budget bills including education and taxes.

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says they have ironed out many of the sticking points and big bills are starting to close up.

Murphy is already looking ahead to when lawmakers might have to return after a special session to deal with what she calls the fallout of President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” if it passes the Senate.

“We will likely be back later this summer or this fall, um, to reconcile the damage that they’re doing to Minnesota’s budget, Minnesota’s healthcare system and to Minnesotans lives. But right now we have to do this job. We have to do this job and do it well,” said the Democrat from St. Paul.

Murphy says Trump’s bill would slash $500 million a year in funding to Minnesota and 253,000 Minnesotans would lose health coverage.

All four Republican Minnesota U.S. Representatives voted for the bill, while the four Democrats voted against it.

A main sticking point of the bill is nearly $800 billion in reduced spending in the Medicaid program.

To be eligible, there would be new community engagement requirements of at least 80 hours per month of work, education or service for able-bodied adults without dependents.

The new requirement would not kick in until Jan. 1, 2029, after Trump leaves office.