Capitol Report: Reflecting on the '17 Session, Disagreements

Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, talks with Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke about his perspective on the legal battle between Governor Mark Dayton and the Minnesota legislature, as well his thoughts on the accomplishments and difficulties of the 2017 session.

As the deadline for the 2017 legislative session loomed, the Republican-controlled House and Senate were continually attempting to hammer out budget and tax relief deals with DFL Governor Mark Dayton. An agreement emerged less than an hour before adjournment, and Governor Dayton called an immediate special session to finish work on budget bills and transportation and tax-relief packages.

After the special session ended, and the Governor signed the tax and budget bills, he line-item vetoed the appropriation that funds the legislature in an effort to bring lawmakers back to the table for further negotiations. The move created a constitutional controversy over the scope of the Governor’s line-item veto authority and the separation of powers. Ramsey County District Court Judge John Guthmann heard arguments from attorneys representing the legislature and Governor Dayton this week.

Finally, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-Nisswa, underscores the extent of bipartisan work that was accomplished during the 2017 legislative session. He joins Shannon to highlight some of the achievements.