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On opening day of the 2015 Minnesota legislative session, legislators are already considering skipping meeting next year.

One big reason is the logistical upheaval caused by ongoing construction at the Capitol. Once legislators adjourn this spring, the Minnesota Senate doesn't have space for its work in 2016.

DFL Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk of Cook said it might be a challenge to complete the work of a two year session in one year, in particular to pass a bonding bill in the same year the Legislature writes a budget.

"If we could figure out how to do that, I'm open to conversation," he said.

Bakk's Republican counterpart, David Hann of Eden Prairie, said he'd support a one-year session.

In the Minnesota House, newly minted GOP House Speaker Kurt Daudt isn't ruling out the idea, either, but wants to wait to see how much work lawmakers can get done before making that decision.

"First and foremost, we conduct the business that Minnesotans expect us to," Daudt said. "If we can get that work done in a year, that's certainly something I might consider."

A one-year session isn't unprecedented. Between 1879 and 1972 the Legislature met only in odd numbered years. But since 1973 the Legislature has met every year.

As the Legislature convenes for the 2015 session, lawmakers have a lot on their plate, including a two-year budget, taxes, education funding and a transportation bill.

Complicating matters is divided government. Republicans control the House, but the DFL is still in charge of the Senate and Gov. Mark Dayton is a Democrat.

In his opening speech, Daudt pledged to work across the aisle.

"I want to work with as many hands [as possible] to find a solution," Daudt said.

Already, the parties appear divided over how to fund schools with Democrats calling for more money and Republicans saying government already invests plenty in education.

Transportation funding will also be a top issue for lawmakers. Dayton is floating a sales tax on gasoline at the wholesale level to help pay for a $6.5 billion 10-year funding gap.

But Republican leaders are skeptical, saying they'll look at other ways to fund infrastructure, including the state's $1 billion surplus.

The debate over transportation funding will divide Democrats and Republicans. But the issue is also exposing some fissures within the Republican House caucus.

Many newly elected legislators are from greater Minnesota, where they campaigned on improving roads and bridges.

Among them is Rep. Dave Hancock of Bemidji, who is among members of the House GOP who says he would support one-time spending from the state’s $1 billion for transportation over new taxes.

“I believe we already have [the money],” he said. “In fact, I think there was an overreach in taxes in the last session and underspending. Let’s look at some of those funds where we’ve allocated too much.”

But Rep. Dave Baker of Willmar, who was also sworn-in today, says he worries the surplus won’t go nearly far enough. He said a tax increase should be one option on the table along with making sure the state's transportation Department spends money more efficiently.

"My district says having a reasonable revenue stream to fund roads and bridges isn't a horrible thing," Baker said. "Saying that, we're still coming off two years of a big tax increase, and Minnesotans are still stinging from that. I want to be careful that [a tax increase] isn't the first thing we run to."

MPR News reporters Tom Scheck and Tim Pugmire contributed to this report. 

Politics and Government News

Capitol View®

Catharine Richert

Author

The 2015 Minnesota legislative session opened Tuesday and legislators were already considering skipping meeting next year.

Day One

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Richert, Catharine

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On first day, some lawmakers push one-year session

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