SE Twin Cities

As the Minnesota legislative session nears its scheduled end, State Representative Terry Stier (R-Cleveland) has raised concerns about the likelihood of lawmakers completing their work on time. Stier attributes the delay to disagreements over two key proposals supported by House Democrats: taxpayer-funded healthcare for undocumented immigrants and new unemployment insurance requirements for schools.

“These issues could have been resolved weeks ago. But instead, Democrats stayed home for nearly a third of the session - costing taxpayers thousands while still collecting their paychecks. Now we’re staring down a special session, and Minnesotans are once again left to foot the bill,” Stier said.

Stier criticized what he described as partisan priorities, stating, “All this, so they could score political points.”

He argued that current economic conditions in Minnesota require practical solutions rather than increased spending or taxes. “The truth is that Minnesota families are struggling. They need relief, not more reckless spending, not higher taxes, and certainly not policies that reward those who aren’t even here legally while law-abiding Minnesotans fall further behind,” he said.

Stier emphasized Republican efforts during the session: “Republicans have been here, doing the work. We’re standing firm against the out-of-touch priorities coming from the other side. We’ve been pushing for practical solutions that put Minnesotans first. Solutions rooted in common sense, responsibility, and practicality.”

He also questioned Democratic leadership’s focus: “Unfortunately, Democrats seem more focused on feelgood policy than results. While they posture, Minnesotans pay the price.”

Reflecting on his own commitment to constituents regardless of party affiliation or beliefs, Stier stated: “I didn’t come to St. Paul to go along with business as usual. I came to protect your wallet and bring your voice to the Capitol. I’ve shown up, stayed committed, and never lost sight of who I work for: you.”

With negotiations ongoing and no resolution yet reached on major issues such as healthcare funding for undocumented immigrants and school unemployment insurance mandates—which some say would create financial challenges for educational institutions—the possibility of a special legislative session remains.