Minnesota Senate Republicans say the chamber will remain in special session for at least another week to consider the confirmation of commissioners in Gov. Tim Walz's administration, a move that's miffed Democrats and puts some Cabinet members at risk of being fired.
Sen. Michelle Benson, R-Ham Lake, said the state is in a "period of transition" after the Legislature voted this week to end the emergency powers Walz has wielded for nearly 16 months in response to the pandemic.
Republicans pushed all session to end those powers and took issue with previous executive orders to shutter businesses and schools in an effort to slow the virus' spread.
"The governor does still have some open appointments we do need to consider," Benson said. "We're going to remain vigilant and attentive to the governor's appointments."
The Republicans' decision to stay in St. Paul comes after more than two weeks of negotiations in special session over the state budget. The House adjourned after budget work was complete on Wednesday, but only the Senate has the constitutional power to confirm or reject the appointment of executive branch officials.
Walz said in a statement that Republicans should not take daily per diem payments next week since they've already had years to act on his appointments.
"Our commissioners are exceptionally qualified public servants who are charged with protecting public safety, public health and advancing the common good," Walz said. "I expect the Senate to fulfill their constitutional duty to confirm any qualified candidate, as they should have done two years ago when our commissioners were first appointed."
Hearings will begin Tuesday with consideration of Mark Phillips, commissioner of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB), and Aaron Vande Linde, director of the Minnesota Office of School Trust Lands. Both officials have been in those roles for years.
Republicans declined to name other commissioners they plan to consider next week.
During two special sessions last year, Republicans rejected Nancy Leppink, named by Walz to lead the Department of Labor and Industry, as well as Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley.
Republicans also have signaled frustration with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Laura Bishop, whose department is leading the adoption of a new "clean cars" emissions standard that Republicans tried to stop during budget negotiations.
The Senate can take up commissioner confirmations at any time during a governor's administration. In some cases, they may never review an appointment.
"For Senate Republicans to try to use one chamber to single-handedly dismantle the administration at their whim is an improper use of the Senate's constitutionally mandated role for advice and consent," said Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent, DFL-Woodbury.
"It is a political agenda — at taxpayers' expense — because it is not cheap to keep us in special session," Kent said. "Minnesotans deserve better than these political games from Senate Republicans."
Briana Bierschbach • 651-925-5042
Twitter: @bbierschbach
