“Failure Is Not An Option”: Still No Deal To Get MN House In Order

ST. PAUL (KVRR)  — The power-sharing agreement is still being hashed out between Democrats and Republicans in the Minnesota House.

DFL Speaker-designate Melissa Hortman says both parties met this morning.

She says they have narrowed the issues a bit as they continue to negotiate.

Hortman wouldn’t speculate on a timeline but says failure is not an option and that both sides will keep meeting until an agreement is reached.

Republicans currently have 67 members to Democrats 66.

But a special election in March is expected to boost Democrats numbers by one, leaving the chamber in a tie.

“We are absolutely happy to talk with our Democratic colleagues,” said Rep. Lisa Demuth, the GOP Speaker-designate. “Democrats need to show up, and we can find a pathway forward.”

Minnesota Senate is currently working under a power-sharing agreement after the death of Sen. Kari Dziedzic.

A special election for Minnesota Senate District 60 is being held today to fill the vacancy.