A DFL legislator boycott, a handful of Supreme Court cases, and countless new stories later – we made it! House Republicans and Democrats finally struck a power sharing deal. Now that it’s back to business as usual in St. Paul, what does that mean for the rest of the legislative session and what’s next for advocacy efforts at the Capitol?
Here are a few things to consider.
Expect things to move fast and furious.
While the Senate struck a power sharing deal weeks ago, the House is essentially getting back to work this week. House Republicans will have control of gavels until the special election on March 11, when it’s assumed that a Democrat will pick up the vacant seat in 40B. After that, with the exception of a new committee on fraud, the DFL and GOP will co-chair all committees.
That means priorities important to Republicans will be heard and pushed through committees as quickly as possible in the next several weeks, as they work to make the case for their policies and set themselves up in the best possible position for final budget negotiations between the House, the one-seat DFL majority Senate, and Governor Walz.
In theory, lawmakers must come to a consensus on a balanced budget by mid-May. Although many (myself included) expect the drama and disagreements to continue, meaning legislators will likely push past that deadline and not come to an agreement until June.
Make sure you are making noise and building cross-party coalitions.
With such a close balance of power in the legislature, courting both Democrats and Republicans is critical this session. Catering messaging that can appeal to the left and right, as well as building a diverse coalition of voices to support your issue is essential. Furthermore, engaging in a strategic earned media campaign that reaches key districts and ensures political reporters are paying attention will ensure your issue receives the attention it needs to cross the finish line this year.
If you aren’t doing these things yet, you should start now! (And if you’re not sure where to start – K2 can help!)
Keep an eye on the Blue Dogs in the Senate.
The DFL has a one seat majority in the Senate – which should both foster and force bipartisan policies this session. Democrat leadership will be working hard to keep their members together on key issues important to their party and platform.
But where does this leave public affairs efforts this session?
With such close numbers in the House and Senate, strategies to engage the self proclaimed Blue Dog Democrats – a group of eight members looking to advance more moderate, bipartisan policies – will be key. From digital to earned media to letters targeting their offices, engaging stakeholders in their districts now on your issue is vital.
No more sitting on the sidelines – jump in now!
Many groups, associations and organizations were hesitant to jump into advocacy efforts this session in Minnesota with so much uncertainty in the House. But the time for sitting out is over! Whether it’s recruiting supportive voices or crafting and executing a targeted strategy to advance or stop policy this session, committee deadlines will be fast approaching, and lawmakers will be pulled in numerous directions.
Whether your issue is infrastructure, energy, health care or just about anything in between, acting now ensures you can build momentum and find success in an unprecedented legislative session.
Chelsea Thompson, Vice President of Public Affairs