The Minnesota Legislature reconvened yesterday for a one-day Special Session to complete the state budget for the 2026–2027 biennium. The final budget totals approximately $66 billion over two years. A Special Session became necessary after the regular session ended May 19 without a completed agreement.
Senator Julia Coleman (R–Waconia) issued the following statement:
“We’re in the tough position of having to make cuts because of the reckless spending by the Democrat Trifecta that left us with a $6 billion deficit. What’s most disappointing is that while state agencies saw funding increases, nursing homes and disability services are being cut by hundreds of millions and K–12 schools are now facing a $420 million budget shortfall in 2028–2029.
This year was a chance to get back to the basics and make life more affordable, improve school outcomes and safety, and crack down on waste and fraud. Unfortunately, that opportunity was missed.”
As the Lead Republican on the Education Policy Committee, Sen. Coleman also commented on the education budget:
“All session long, we heard from teachers, administrators, and families about how schools are struggling with both safety and budgets. This bill fails to address either. Student performance is slipping, and there’s no real relief in sight. The mandates passed last biennium continue to squeeze school districts without giving them the flexibility or resources they need. We need to confront the real impact of runaway spending and how it’s trickling down to hurt our schools.”
Budget areas passed during the Special Session included:
- Capital Investment
- Commerce & Energy
- Environment & Natural Resources
- Health & Human Services / Children & Families
- Higher Education
- Human Services Finance
- K-12 Education
- Taxes
- Transportation
- Workforce, Labor & Economic Development
Two additional bills were part of the final agreement: one that improves data center regulations and extends a tax exemption, and another that ends taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal immigrants.
The 2026 legislative session begins February 17, 2026.