Politics Friday

Politics Friday: Walz weighs in as state lawmakers head into overtime

A man talks with members of the press
Gov. Tim Walz speaks with members of the press on the final day of the scheduled Minnesota legislative session on May 19.
Clay Masters | MPR News

The Minnesota Legislature is hanging around a bit longer. 

The yearly work was supposed to end Monday, May 19 but lawmakers adjourned with unfinished business. Now, they’re gearing up for a special session. 

Most of the budget is unresolved and the final points of agreement are still not in hand. So when might this be done and is a government shutdown a possibility?

MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst speaks with Gov. Tim Walz about the legislative session and his role in settling the budget dispute. He is urging lawmakers to avoid the worst-case scenario, which would be entering July without a budget. 

Later in the program, political analysts unpack the political landscape amid the action and inaction in Minnesota and Washington.

Guests:  

  •  Tim Walz is a former Democratic vice presidential candidate and second-term DFL governor of Minnesota.

  • Abou Amara is a Democratic political analyst and Twin Cities attorney.  

  • Preya Samsundar is a political analyst and a GOP strategist.

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.