As the last hours ticked by, the disparity in bills by Minnesota’s House and Senate, were more than could be bridged in the lastditch politicking done in St. Paul on Monday Night. In session since January, the work of the men and women representing their districts would not deliver on promises made signaled by the final gavel which was sounded at midnight. According to the official talley, there would be no last minute deals, no race of paperwork to be signed and No Legislative agreement on the biggest bills of the year: Health and Human Services, Transportation, State Government, Education and Taxes. From social media accounts, the newly opened loggia, a covered terrace that provided a spectacular view of the St. Paul Bascilica, was the place many would congregate during the last day allotted to complete their regular term. As late as 11pm, the web’s livestream from the Senate and House showed a near empty floor as members of both bodies of Government were called by their Chairs to recess. The last announcement of the night, was made in the Senate by Republican Majority Leader from the 9th district, Paul Gazelka who provided news in the waning minutes of the session.
A phone call made to KDWA Radio following the final gavel came from House Representative Tony Jurgens who had spent the day waiting for a call to action that never came. We’ll feature his reaction to the calling of a special session in our next newscast.
