Minnesota lawmakers pass 7 of 14 bills 12 hours into special session
ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Minnesota lawmakers are almost 12 hours into their one-day special session to pass 14 budget bills worth $66 billion and have only passed seven so far.
One of the most contentious issues was to repeal a 2023 state law that made illegal immigrants eligible for the MinnesotaCare program as part of Health and Human Services funding.
It’s defeat was a priority for Republicans and Democrat Majority Leader Erin Murphy, a nurse by trade, agreed to vote for it as part of the negotiations.
But she got a little emotional before the actual vote.
“MinnesotaCare has never been free care none of it’s free. They paid their premiums, just like you and just like me. I made an agreement, I gave word I will vote for this. It’s among the most painful votes I’ve ever taken. Thank you,” said Murphy.
It passed 37-30 and got additional Democrat support locally from Sen. Rob Kupec.
The change is expected to affect about 17,000 people.
The special session is set to end at 7 a.m.
