A meeting with Governor Walz and legislative leaders broke down this morning after about ten minutes when Democrats abruptly ended the meeting and indicated they would no longer work with Republicans to find agreement for a special session.

Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (East Grand Forks) released the following statement in response:

“If Governor Walz wants a special session, which only he can do, Senate Republicans will be there to do the important work to keep our kids and communities safe. Minnesotans deserve better than slogans and press conferences, they need solutions. Democrats and Governor Walz are avoiding the regular committee process that invites public scrutiny and stakeholder input. Only through the full legislative process can Minnesotans truly have a voice and a seat at the table, ensuring their will and not backroom deals, shapes our public policy.”